Christmas came early for the members of the mataqali Teruku of Doi Village in Ono-i-Lau and two Kadavu villagers after receiving their boats and engines from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.
The Mataqali Teruku received a boat and engine worth $22,490.
Speaking to fijivillage News, mataqali Teruku representative Lepani Qalobula says receiving this gift from the Government before Christmas is a true blessing.
He says today is a day of celebration for their mataqali as a long-held dream spanning five generations of their forefathers has finally been achieved.
He explained that while the three-year journey to fulfil this dream was challenging, they overcame the difficulties through their Solesolevaki initiative and God's provision and guidance.
Qalobula also acknowledged the significant contributions of clan members living in Fiji and abroad, which helped make this accomplishment possible.
During the handover, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joeli Cawaki, urged the new fibreglass boat owners to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets while travelling at sea.
He also reminded them to make use of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the Government to ensure safe and secure voyages.
Meanwhile, the three fibreglass boats and engines worth a total of $67,470 were handed over, with the applicants paying one-third of the total cost of $7,496.70 while the Government contributed $14,993.30 for each boat and engine.
The two other participants who also received their registered boat are Paula Naidike from Nakaugasele Village in the district of Nakasaleka in Kadavu and Ratu Navitalai Litidamu of Rakiraki Village in the district of Yale in Kadavu.
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