Travelling by bamboo raft and swimming across the river will soon be a thing of the past for villagers of Korolevu in the district of Navatu, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu.
This follows the official handover of a 23-foot fiberglass boat and 60-horsepower (HP) outboard engine by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Korolevu Village today.
Valued at $25,761.84, the project is funded under the Office of the Prime Minister’s 2025–2026 Development Grant Budget. The boat and engine were delivered through the professional services of Safeway Marine (Fiji) Pte Ltd and Niranjans Autoport Pte Ltd, whose partnership was acknowledged and appreciated.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that rural and maritime communities are equipped with practical resources necessary to advance development, resilience, and sustainability.
“Korolevu Village, though home to approximately 55 households, holds stewardship over something far greater in scale and significance the customary fishing grounds of the Yavusa Korolevu within the Navatu District, including designated Marine Protected and Managed Areas.
“These waters are more than a source of sustenance; they are a living inheritance. They represent identity and responsibility. The protection of these ecosystems sustains biodiversity, strengthens food security, and provides livelihood opportunities for both present and future generations.”
Prime Minister Rabuka added that the provision of the boat and engine is not simply an infrastructure handover but a strategic investment in community-led ocean stewardship.
The dedicated vessel will significantly enhance the community’s capacity to:
Conduct regular surveillance of Marine Protected and Managed Areas;
Respond effectively to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities;
Support marine conservation and biodiversity protection initiatives;
Facilitate environmental monitoring and data collection; and
Ensure safe and reliable transportation across customary fishing grounds.
“Importantly, the boat and engine will also be made available to Fisheries Officers undertaking official duties in Navatu, Koroalau, and Vaturova. This reflects a practical and collaborative approach between Government and Vanua working together to uphold sustainable fisheries management and maritime security,” he said.
Village Headman Lepani Tusoba expressed gratitude for what he described as a long-awaited breakthrough for the community, noting that requests for Government assistance had been made over the past two decades.
“For us, today is truly a sigh of relief, for many years we have lived with the daily challenge of crossing the river using bamboo rafts. During heavy rain and flooding, parents would worry constantly about the safety of their children. On some days, we simply could not take the risk.”
He explained that the lack of proper transport had affected not only children travelling to school but also villagers seeking medical attention, accessing markets, and transporting essential supplies.
“There were times when we felt isolated. When the river swelled, we were cut off. This boat gives us confidence and peace of mind, knowing that our children and families can travel safely.”
Mr Tuisoba added that beyond transportation, the vessel would empower the village to protect its customary fishing grounds more effectively.
“We have seen an increase in illegal fishing within our waters. Without proper transport, monitoring was difficult. Now we can actively safeguard our resources for our children and future generations.”
He said the assistance demonstrates that the community’s concerns had been heard.
“This shows that we have not been forgotten. It strengthens our hope and our commitment to care for the resources entrusted to us.”
Mr Tuisoba reflected that bamboo rafts had served as the village’s primary mode of river transport since the time of their forefathers, marking today’s handover as the beginning of a new chapter for Korolevu village.