Cost of shipping services is too high – Moala Island villagers

Villagers on Moala Island, in the Lau group have requested the Government to look into the high cost of shipping services, of both Government franchise and private vessels, as it is a hurdle to development in their communities.

A 43-year-old Emosi Seru while making his submission at the National Development Plan consultation, at Nasoki Village says cost of transportation for both people, and cargo is too costly.

Using building materials as an example, Seru says apart from the cost of the building materials, an individual could pay up to $1000 for its cartage to their island, excluding the cost of transportation from the jetty to their villages.

The 43-year-old says they are already in far-flung areas, and they need a levelled playing field for development, better living standards but the cost of transportation to get to Suva, and back is quite expensive.

They are requesting government to come up with a solution to solve this problem so they could develop their communities which allow better opportunities for the villagers.

Other areas of concern include the impacts of climate change, road development and markets for their produce.

Public consultation will continue this week in the central division, northern division and eastern division as follows:

Central Division 11th March • Nasautoka Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Wailotua Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Nailega Village Hall - 2.00pm to 4.00pm • Naloto Village Hall - 2.00pm to 4.00pm

12 March • Suva Grammar School - 9.20am to 10.20am • Lomaivuna Methodist Church Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Lakena Agriculture Station - 10.00am to 12.00pm • FBE PG Lecture Theatre, USP Campus - 11.00am to 1.00pm • Naitasiri Primary School - 4.00pm to 6.00pm • Batilala’s Residence - 6.00pm to 8.00pm • Sikemi Methodist Church Hall - 6.00pm to 8.00pm

13th March • Narokorokoyawa Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Naboubuco District School - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Muaira District School - 2.00pm to 4.00pm • Nakaikogo Sanatan Dharam Primary School - 6.00pm to 8.00pm

14th March • Nakorosule Village Hall - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Nabena Community Hall - 1.00pm to 2.30pm • Vunidawa Government Station - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Naitasiri Secondary School - 4.00pm to 6.00pm • Waidina High School - 4.00pm to 6.00pm • Nadera Methodist Church - 6.00pm to 7.30pm • Matuku Methodist Hall - 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Consultation with Students, Teachers and Lecturers: 12th March 2024 • Suva Grammar School - 9.20am to 10.20am • Jai Narayan College - 10.30am to 11.30am • FBE PG Lecture Theatre, USP Campus - 11.00am to 1.00pm • Nasinu Muslim College - 12.00pm to 1.00pm

13th March 2024 • Marist Brothers High School - 8.30am to 9.30am • Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School - 11.30am to 12.30pm

14th March 2024 • Lelean Memorial School - 12.00pm to 1.00pm

Northern Division 11th March 2024 • Bouma Village Hall, Taveuni - 9.00am to 11.00am • Welagi Village Hall, Taveuni - 12.00pm to 2.00pm

12th March 2024 • Wairiki Hall, Taveuni - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Qila Community Hall, Taveuni - 1.00pm to 3.00pm

13th March 2024 • Nakorovou Village Hall, Taveuni - 10.00am to 12.00pm • Somosomo Village Hall, Taveuni - 2.00pm to 4.00pm • Bucalevu Secondary School, Taveuni - 6.00pm to 8.00pm