THE Fiji Government is continuing its efforts to support maritime communities through the Freight Subsidy Initiative for building materials, aimed at easing transportation costs to outer islands.
Through the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Government Shipping Services vessel MV Vunilagi recently completed its third deployment, delivering essential building supplies to the islands of Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata and Matuku in Lau.
The shipment, according to the Ministry, included materials such as cement, timber and roofing iron, which are often costly to transport to maritime areas because of distance and freight charges.
The freight subsidy initiative is designed to reduce those costs, allowing communities to purchase building materials at more affordable prices.
The Ministry noted the program was expected to assist residents in constructing homes, community halls, schools and other key infrastructure projects across the islands.
Government said the initiative continued to expand with each voyage, reflecting its commitment to ensuring maritime communities were included in national development efforts.
Further deployments are planned in the coming months as the Government looks to extend the program to more maritime islands around Fiji.
