Villagers of Mali Island believe poaching activities can be better monitored after a fibreglass boat was given to them with a 75 horsepower engine.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama gave the boat to the villagers yesterday.
Tui Mali Ratu Apenisa Bogiso said the boat from the Ministry of Waterways would certainly help in the protection of their qoliqoli area.
“Poaching is a common problem in our qoliqoli and most times the poachers easily get away because they have high-powered engines,” he said.
“But this new engine and boat will help us fight off poachers as we can patrol our qoliqoli and protect our marine surrounding. We asked Government for this boat last month and they responded quickly and we are very grateful.”
