A new airstrip in Saqani district in Cakaudrove will mean the villagers there can travel much more cheaply to Savusavu, the closest town, or to Suva.
In an article in The Fiji Times dated September 27, 1980 a trip to Savusavu used to cost $42 by boat and bus, by air it will cost $11.
A journey to Suva by boat and road which used to cost $67, will now cost only $35 by air.
The airstrip was opened yesterday by the then prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara seen right arriving at airstrip to a traditional welcome by people of surrounding villages.
The official opening was followed by dancing and singing.
Behind the Prime Minister is the Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Social Welfare, Militoni Lewenigila, who was there to meet him.
The girls seated along the side of the mat are students from Saqani Junior Secondary School.
