THE grand opening of Levuka’s new $600,000 dock attracted people from all across the island of Ovalau.
Tomasi Vakatora, the then minister for transport and civil aviation, presided over the vibrant occasion and a report on the event appeared in The Fiji Times on May 19, 1980.
Using the Romanda ferry, Mr Vakatora and his guests landed on Levuka from Suva.
Following his speech to the assembly, he unveiled a plaque commemorating the wharf’s opening.
The 400 guests and representatives of the Ports Authority of Fiji feasted on the enormous lovo lunch that had been prepared.
Mr Vakatora stressed the significance of having an effective wharf.
Airports and wharves, he said, were ingrained in every nation’s DNA.
“They are not only the gateway through which a country maintains links with the rest of the world, but are the agents through which trade and commerce flourish,” Mr Vakatora said.
“You are all aware that countries have recently threatened to blockade ports of other countries so as to help secure their objectives.
“All this goes to show how vital ports are to the wellbeing of any country.
“They are more so in a country like ours where islands are scattered over many hundreds of miles of sea so that the development and maintenance of ports in various parts of the country becomes an important part of our development program.
“Levuka has had a long and historical record among our ports and much of our early contacts with the outside world were made through Levuka.
“Shipping is vital to the economy of the Ovalau community and the nearby islands.
“We are all aware of the economic slump that struck here when the copra boats ceased using Levuka.
“This brought in its wake widespread unemployment and economic stagnation until the Pacific Fishing Company established its base here.
“Today, growth and prosperity has returned to Ovalau, but to ensure its continuation it is essential that proper port facilities are available to shipping.”
Among the government’s priorities was the reconstruction of the dilapidated Levuka wharf.
Work on the wharf’s first stage started in 1978 and its second stage in 1979.
This national asset, which was expected to offer far better facilities than before, accumulated a cost of more than $500,000.
Mr Vakatora expressed optimism the upgrade would entice more passenger and cruise ships to make port calls at Levuka.
Despite being previously preoccupied with reorganising cargo and shipping activities in Suva and Lautoka, PAF director general Loh Heng Kee stated that PAF had not neglected Levuka.
“It is hoped that these new facilities will attract more international shipping and trade for the benefit of Fiji, and in particular the people of Ovalau,” he said.
