Tamusua villagers on Yasawa Island will no longer have to worry about accessing transportation when travelling the high seas.
This, following a grant signing worth $219,494 on Friday between the Japanese Government and Buasali Development Committee for the procurement of a 10-metre long boat with two outboard engines to assist the villagers.
Officiating at the event, Japan Embassy counsellor and deputy head of mission Tanaka Kenichiro said the project would be implemented through the “Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme”.
“Tamusua Village has no proper transportation,” he said.
“Especially when delivering fish products to the main market in Lautoka and transporting patients in emergency cases.
“It gives me great joy to see that the implementation of this project will improve fish product delivery and aid in transportation making the lives of the people of Tamusua Village easy.
“Upon the completion of the project, we hope that the livelihood and safety of people will be enhanced, guaranteeing peace of mind for the entire community.”
Mr Kenichiro said the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry would support this project through a training program.
“That addresses illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and ensures monitoring of these activities.
“Japan’s strong commitment towards improving livelihoods in Fiji formed the basis for our decision to award this funding which will greatly benefit the transportation method.
“The 10-metre long boat with two outboard engines will support and help further the development of Tamusua Village.”
Mr Kenichiro said Japan had implemented 422 Grassroots Grant Assistance scheme which was worth more than US$32 million to assist grassroot communities in Fiji.
Meanwhile, Buasali development committee chairman Nacanieli Nakoronivalu thanked the Japanese Government for their assistance towards the people of Tamusua.
“Not only for the village of Tamusua but the whole tikina of Yasawa for the procurement of the boat and engine,” he said.
