"I'm so grateful that our village is situated inland, but our main mode of transport has always been by sea, and it's very expensive," she shared. "For us, especially the elderly, this boat will truly make a difference.”
This was highlighted by 79-year-old Elenoa Vakarewa of Nadoi village in Rewa, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the new boat provided to Nadoi Village under the Sustainable Economic Advancement (SEA) Programme.
Elenoa states that our grandchildren have to travel to Nabua or Nailili for school, often getting wet during bad weather.
“We feel sorry for our grandchildren, but now, with this boat, things will be much easier. We’ve waited a long time for this, and we’re truly thankful to the government for their support."
Turaga ni Koro (village headman) of Nadoi, Taniela Kepa, sharing similar sentiments, highlighted that when he took up the role of village headman, he noticed that a significant portion of the money that was collected was spent on financing boat rides to transport goods and people from Nasali Landing to the village.
"I took this issue to our village meetings, and I’m grateful that our plea was heard. This boat is a blessing. It will support fishing, farming, and other developmental projects in the village. With our strategic development plan in place, this boat will play a key role in achieving our goals."
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka commended the initiative, emphasising its broader impact.
"This project is more than just about providing a boat; it’s about empowering communities like Nadoi to access opportunities and improve their livelihoods," he said.
"The SEA Programme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting rural and maritime communities, addressing transportation challenges, and fostering economic growth. By investing in infrastructure and resources, we are ensuring that no Fijian is left behind."
The project, valued at $21,333.05, was made possible through a cost-sharing arrangement, with the government contributing $14,936.35 and the community raising $6,396.70. It included the purchase of a 23-foot fibreglass boat and a 40-horsepower outboard engine.
Project Impact
The primary aim of the project is to provide safer and more reliable transportation for the villagers of Nadoi. With 61 households and a total population of 330, the boat will:
· Support income-generating activities such as fishing and farming.
· Provide easier access to markets.
· Create employment opportunities.
· Enhance resilience and improve the standard of living for rural communities.
Minister Ditoka further highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving rural development.
"The success of this project is a testament to what we can achieve when communities and government work together. This boat is not just a mode of transport; it’s a tool for growth, resilience, and hope for the people of Nadoi."
The Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA) Programme, managed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, addresses critical issues such as poverty and rural-to-urban migration. By fostering economic growth and empowering individuals in rural and maritime areas, the initiative helps create sustainable opportunities for entrepreneurship and development.
The Programme was previously administered by the Ministry of Finance, whereby 50 potential recipients from Fiji’s maritime regions received a maximum grant of $10,000 towards the purchase of a fully equipped and operational fibreglass boat. The Programme has been assigned to the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in this financial year.
This program, which includes the purchase of fibreglass boats and outboard engines, has been instrumental in improving transportation and supporting livelihoods.