Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka with villagers of Serua Island in front of their newly commissioned waiting shed.

SUVA – The completion of the Dogowale Waiting Shed project will ensure the safety and security of villagers of Serua Island, says village headman Mr. Napolioni Boseiwaqa.

The Dogowale Waiting Shed in Serua was completed at a cost of $15,000 by Government through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Self-Help Programme (SHP).

The project involved the renovation of an existing waiting shed at Dogowale Landing for the villagers of Serua Island. Majority of the beneficiaries are school children, and young mothers.

 “We are very thankful for this assistance from Government. In the past when we used to come to the landing, we would be exposed to rain and the hot sun while waiting for the boat to transport us across to the island. It used to be a painful sight to see, but today we are so grateful to Government for coming in to help us with this project,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.

The objective of the project was to provide shelter and public convenience for communities from Serua Island and visitors. The facility is largely utilised by school children and workers from Serua Island.

In his remarks during the handover of the project last Friday, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka said while the project may be considered a small investment, it could remain useful in the long term if looked after well by the villagers of Serua Island.

“So, I would encourage you to form a Development Committee that will provide support and oversee the administration and maintenance of the facility, thus ensuring sustainability of the project,” Hon. Ditoka said.

“Your Government through our Ministry is bringing you a new renovated or proper waiting facility and infrastructure to address your community request needs to commute for your daily chores or learning activities. With this project, your community may no longer have to worry about the travel as the waiting facility is now available to use.”

Caption: Villagers of Serua Island at the commissioning of their waiting shed last Friday.

-ENDS-

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fiji Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.

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