More than 55 villagers from 12 households in Qaranivai Village, Dogotuki in Macuata, are expected to benefit from a new fibreglass boat and outboard engine provided through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management's Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA) Programme.
The project, valued at more than $19,000, was officially handed over to the Qaranivai Village Youth and Women's Group.
The boat and engine will improve transportation, support livelihood activities, and provide better access to essential services for the community. They will also support fishing operations, the transportation of goods and passengers, emergency response, and improve connectivity.
Speaking during the handover, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu highlighted that the SEA Programme is about empowering communities with the tools they need to become more self-reliant and economically resilient.
Bulitavu says the investment will not only strengthen income-generating opportunities for the youth and women of Qaranivai but will also improve access to essential services and provide greater support during emergencies.
He also urged the villagers to make full use of the Government's investment by maintaining the boat and engine, operating them responsibly and using the assets to create sustainable economic opportunities for current and future generations.
The Qaranivai Village Youth and Women's Group thanked the Government for the assistance, saying the project will significantly improve mobility, reduce transportation challenges and create new opportunities to strengthen household incomes.
