Cikobia was looking forward to an improved water supply system and the delivery of a boat after an assurance was made at a tikina meeting held on the island, according to a report published by The Fiji Times on May 1, 1996.
During the day-long meeting, issues discussed included the island’s poor water supply system, the lack of transportation to and from the island, and a request for government assistance to improve housing.
The four villages on the island — Vatulele, Nautovata, Vuninuku and Natovutovu — shared a single water catchment, with access to the island available only by boat.
District Officer Macuata Ratu Orisi Baleitavea said government officials would hand over a 40-foot boat, capable of carrying 22 passengers, to the elders of Cikobia. The boat was equipped with searchlights, a compass, and a radio telephone system.
“It (the boat) will make a big difference to our lives,” said the Reverend Laiakini Saula of the Methodist Church.
“For once, we will be guaranteed our monthly grocery supply.
“We will be able to send letters now. We have a Fiji Posts and Telecommunications Ltd agent on the island, but nothing much could be done when we depend on boats calling at the island.
“The boat will be a big help for students from the island studying on Viti Levu or Vanua Levu. Transportation to the island, especially during the holidays, will now be a sure thing.
“From the religious side of view, our people will now be able to participate in religious activities at the tikina or district level.”
The boat took five months to build at a cost of $70,000. The people of Cikobia contributed a deposit of $4500, while the Methodist Church and the Ministry of Regional Development provided the balance.
Ratu Orisi said residents were also assured the government would assist in improving the island’s water supply.
“One catchment serves the whole island, causing a shortage of water every second day,” he said.
“The other problem is housing on the island. Cikobia is still very much behind in development, and the people have very poor housing.
“We will now support a rural housing scheme for the island, which will be based on a self-help, small-grant scheme.”
