The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka on Friday (20/01/23) officially commissioned and handed over a waiting shelter to cater to the villagers of Serua and the surrounding communities.
Costing Government slightly over $14,000.00, the “Dogowale Waiting Shelter” also contains an ablution block.
The shelter brought welcome relief to villagers of Serua and its two satellite settlements on the mainland, Talenaua, and Kadawaleka which are populated by Serua villagers due to space constraints on their island home.
With a combined population of 453 representing 92 households, Serua village is part of the 24 villages that make up the province of Serua.
Minister Ditoka, while addressing villagers, urged the upkeep of the shelter so it can serve its purpose well.
“Such assistance by Government is for the people and the onus is on the beneficiaries to take ownership and maintain them for their benefit.”
“I urge the village development committee to oversee the upkeep of this government investment and ensure that the future generations of Serua can use it as well.”
The Minister adds that the shelter will benefit villagers, especially students who will be traveling daily, shelter the sick while awaiting transportation, and visitors to the island especially tourists on day visits.
Hon. Ditoka also acknowledged the development works carried out by previous Governments stating that “the work of any Government is to bring about development for the benefit of the people.”
Village Headman Napolioni Boseiwaqa said the assistance will go a long way and is much appreciated by villagers.
“This is a one-of-a-kind shelter and it brings about relief for all of us on Serua Island,” he said.
“We have always been subjected to the elements when we travel across to the mainland to await transportation and this assistance by Government has provided us with a shelter that will benefit all of us from Serua.”
