Good news for the people of Vanuabalavu as the Fiji Roads Authority has announced the official reopening of the Lomaloma Jetty yesterday.
The revitalization of Lomaloma Jetty promises to significantly benefit the local community, bolstering economic activity, improving the flow of goods, services, and people, and reinforcing the island’s strategic connectivity with the mainland and beyond.
FRA says this historic milestone marks the culmination of dedicated efforts to restore a vital maritime link that has been closed since 2021 due to damages caused by prolonged exposure to sea water.
They say Lomaloma Jetty has long served as the lifeline for over 780 residents of Vanuabalavu Island, providing essential access for passenger travel and cargo transportation.
FRA says its strategic location supports the daily livelihoods of villagers across the 17 villages on Vanuabalavu, facilitating the movement of goods, agricultural produce, and essential supplies.
They say the jetty’s reopening will enable reliable and regular maritime services, including monthly franchise vessel operations, private vessel trips, and government shipping services, which typically make two to three trips annually.
Lau Group Provincial Administrator, Iokobo Waqanidrola says the Lomaloma Jetty had been a long-standing issue, and its reopening is not just a repair; it is the mending of their island's heart.
Waqanidrola says since 2021, they have felt the absence of this vital link and the reopening of the jetty has brought relief for the people with daily movement of goods and services.
He says they are working towards narrowing the gap between the urban and island communities in terms of infrastructure service delivery, and this will now also provide a significant boost for tourism as they have a better port of entry.
The upgrades and maintenance carried out in preparation for the reopening, which included targeted improvements to the jetty’s steel decking and structural components, reflect a commitment to ensuring safety, durability, and reliability.
The FRA recognizes and appreciates the patience and resilience of the Vanuabalavu community during the closure period.
The Mata-ni-Tikina of Lomaloma Island, Jone Soiakau while speaking to FRA says he is so grateful for the new jetty and the work carried out to restore the jetty.
Soiakau says their families have struggled to travel, farmers have faced challenges getting their produce to market, and the flow of essential goods has been a constant worry.
He says this jetty is more than concrete and steel; it is their connection to the world, from bringing in supplies to welcoming back their loved ones.
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