$175k plant for rural fishermen
A NEW $175,000 ice plant in Kubulau, Vanua Levu is expected to benefit about 100 fishermen living in 10 villages in the district .
Fishing is the only source of income for the men and their families.
Kubulau district representative Paulo Kolikata said the newly-commissioned ice plant would help the fishermen save money because they would not have to travel far to procure ice.
“Our fishermen can now store their fish for three days before taking it to Savusavu to sell and can save a few dollars for their families’ needs,” said Mr Kolikata.
“We thank the Government for the assistance and will surely utilise it well.”
Mr Kolikata said the new ice plant would help fishermen preserve their catch and cushion the impact of overfishing. The new ice plant was funded by the Overseas Fishery Co-operation Foundation (OFCF) which is an arm of the Japanese government through its Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDAPIN) program. While commissioning the new plant, Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau told villagers that the FDAPIN program’s support to Pacific Island nations allowed nations such as Fiji to provide ice plants to rural fishing communities.
“I am sincerely grateful for the contribution of the Japanese government through OFCF which will greatly improve the livelihood of nearby communities, generate additional income and most importantly, ensure that our rural communities are selfsufficient,” said Mr Koroilavesau.
We thank the Government for the assistance and will surely utilise it well – Paulo Kolikata