People travelling through Nabouwalu Jetty in Bua will no longer have to wait in the sun or rain without proper facilities, following the opening of the $2 million Nabouwalu Passenger Services Terminal today.
While opening the terminal, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says through this terminal and the larger Nabouwalu Township development, the Coalition Government is empowering communities, creating new economic opportunities, and laying the foundations for long-term growth and prosperity.
He says the Government believes that rural and maritime communities deserve the same level of attention, services, and investment as any urban centre.
Nalumisa says the kiosks and ticket booths at the terminal open doors for local businesses.
The Minister says the terminal has 3 food kioks, 1 handicraft and 1 hair salon which are all businesses from Bua.
He says this is the start of a vibrant town centre that will bring jobs, attract investment, and support the growth of Bua.
Nalumisa says with a police post here, modern facilities, and proper offices, everyone can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
He says with construction now complete, management of the terminal will be handed over to the Savusavu Town Council, a move seen as sensible and strategic as local infrastructure is best managed by those who understand community needs.
Nalumisa also confirmed that the foreshore lease adjacent to the terminal is now being processed by the Department of Lands where the advertisement period is underway to allow for any objections before the lease is issued.
He says once the lease is secured, surveys and an Environmental Impact Assessment will be carried out before moving into Phase 2, which includes a 200-metre covered boardwalk linking the terminal to the jetty, with the $1.5 million project completing the vision for a modern Nabouwalu travel hub.
The Minister has also confirmed that plans are underway to upgrade Natovi Passenger Terminal which will begin in January, next year.
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