The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, in collaboration with other Government agencies and international partners, has distributed a total of 33 solar freezers to rural fishing communities.
Minister Alitia Bainivalu told Parliament yesterday that 21 solar freezers were distributed to the Eastern Division, benefitting communities in Lomaiviti, Kadavu and Lau.
“The Western Division received nine solar freezers that were delivered to the coastal villages in Yasawa, Ra and Nadroga/Navosa,” Ms Bainivalu said.
“The Northern Division received five solar freezers which were provided to remote islands of Yadua, Kia and Cikobia.
“The Central Division received three solar freezers which were distributed to areas including Qoma and Yanuca Island.”
She said the program was designed to address the challenges faced by our isolated fishing communities, particularly, in preserving their catch and ensuring that fish products maintain their quality as they make their way to the markets.
“This initiative was a result of extensive consultation with these communities with the goal of preventing fish spoilage, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the overall value of their catch.
“It also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability, supporting the going green concept by utilising renewable energy resources.”
Ms Bainivalu said those communities were assisted who do not have accessibility to ice plants and were not able to purchase ice and preserve their catch.
“There are four factors that the ministry uses to determine who can receive this assistance — accessibility and isolation, community readiness and organisation, previous engagement and data sharing; and donor and partner priorities.”
