The villagers on the island of Cikobia in Vanua Levu have raised serious concerns about the government's lack of transportation assistance over the past six months.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Josaia Wasasala the Chairman of the Delainamasi Cooperative in Cikobia says their only source of income is copra, and with no government vessel provided to ship their products to Labasa, they are losing hope and feel the government does not value people living outside urban areas.
Wasasala says the government had previously told them that servicing the route to Cikobia was not economical, however, the question villagers are asking is whether the government expects the public to provide for them, or if it is the government’s responsibility to provide for the people.
He also highlighted that villagers cannot travel to Labasa by fibre glass boat because they do not want to risk their lives.
The Ministry of Transport stated that a government vessel will service the franchise trip to North-East Vanua Levu today.
They confirmed the scheduled route includes Malau, Cawaro, Nukusa, Nukudamu, Nabouono, Vunikodi, Cikobia, Naqelelevu, Rabi, Saqani, Lakeba, Tawake, Wainiika, and Yasawa.
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