THE establishment of a district office on Vanuabalavu in Lau will be a very expensive exercise, says Rural and Maritime Development Ministry permanent secretary Isoa Talemaibua.
He told the Standing Committee on Social Affairs that a proposal would be resubmitted to the Government in the new financial year.
“It was part of a request in 2018 and 2019, for the Government to support the establishment but funding was insufficient to construct a separate office on Vanuabalavu,” Mr Talemaibua said.
“We’re doing a resubmission in the new financial year for the Government to consider the proposal.”
Mr Talemaibua said a new boat would be commissioned soon to assist in providing services to the islanders.
“That will assist our office to visit the small islands. This boat will be based in Lakeba.
“The captain may be from Lakeba to make it easy for us to visit the surrounding island.
“That’s the plan because to build and manage a total dedicated office for these islands is very expensive.”
