THE people of Vatulele are eagerly awaiting the construction of a new jetty to replace the old one that has been out of use for more than 10 years.
According to the outgoing Vatulele district officer, Inoke Waqa, government engineers have been to the island to survey the area and compile a report on the requirements to build a new jetty.
“They had already been here and I believe they will be building the new jetty at the same location where the old one was,” said Mr Waqa.
“The jetty is important because it makes it easier, not just for villagers here, but for visitors as well. In our last district meeting, there were a lot of discussions around developing our island for the benefit of our children in years to come and I believe that a new jetty would be the beginning of that.”
Lomanikaya village headman Ratu Emori Ganilau was glad that the Government had finally agreed to have it built.
“I am happy that the Government is doing this,” said Ratu Emori.
“This would change the image of the island and allow more people to come and visit and more boats to visit the island. A new jetty will provide more opportunities for the people of Vatulele in terms of trade also so it’s a really good step forward.”
The Commissioner Western has not responded to emails or calls made to his mobile phone.
Although they have not received any feedback from the Government, villagers remain hopeful that it will be built soon.
A pile of rocks lay where the old jetty was once located.
The Commissioner Western has not responded to emails or calls made to his mobile phone.
