Upgrading works on the Rotuma Airport will begin once a company to carry out works has been identified.
Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Tomasi Tui said the upgrading works, once complete, would support the declaration of Rotuma as an international port of entry.
“We have a $4million allocation and we will negotiate with companies that may wish to undertake the works,” he said.
“That’s the responsibility of Airports Fiji Limited.
“We provide an advisory role in identifying potential companies to go and work on the airstrip.
The airstrip is located near Else’e, a village in the district of Malhaha.
The runway measures 1,494 meters or 4, 902 feet in length.
Mr Tui said returns on this major investment would be felt in the coming years, especially as Government worked to open up tourism markets on the island.
Meanwhile, works on the island’s jetty will be completed this year.
Government allocated $400,000 in its 2011 Budget to complete the extension of the jetty by about seven meters.
Work on the jetty began last year on a $1.4m allocation that also covered the costs of extending the power grid by seven kilometers from the government station in Ahau to Rotuma High School at Malhaha.
“We’re working to see the jetty meets the minimum standards required,” Mr Tui said.
“The minimum standards required – these include where the ships will anchor, a certain depth is required, safety of vessels and all that – those are the minimum requirements.
“We also have the option if ships cannot berth, then we have a working boat – that can take the cargo to the mother vessel.”
The trickle on economic effects of these infrastructural developments will stir up the island economy and retain the 2000 odd island population.
Additionally it will also encourage islanders living on Viti Levu to return to the island and utilise natural resources for economic development.
About 10,000 Rotuman’s reside on Viti Levu.