A project that means reliable sustenance, employment and income-generation for a village in Ra was commissioned by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday.

Mr Bainimarama commissioned the administration office of Caboni Yaqara Multi-Species Hatchery in flood-prone Togovere Village in Ra.

It will see about 700 people benefitting from the $1.6million project.

Mata ni tikina Naiyalayala Malelei Bari said: “It will bring blessing to the villagers because no development of such kind has ever occurred in this area.

“The village’s main source of income comes from the sea, and this development will bring employment and daily income to the community.”

Mr Bari said the multi-species hatchery will employ most of their youth.

“At the moment 10 people have already found employment with the Ministry of Fisheries,” he said.

“We cannot say how happy we are we are thankful to the FijiFirst Government for the much-needed assistance to the people of Togovere.”

Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests Samuela Lagataki said they were ready to supply nearby villagers with the species if the need arose.

“Currently, we are producing around 120,000 to 130,000 right now but our target is to produce 500,000 frys per year.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: litia.tikomailepanoni@fijisun.com.fj