Do not worry about stationery, just send your children to school.

This statement was made by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while visiting Kia Island.

Mr Bainimarama assured the community that stationery would be supplied to children living in affected areas. Therefore it was important to send their children to school when school starts next week.

Village headman, Kemueli Naisaramaki, updated the Government delegation of the status and the assistance they have been receiving  since December 17.

Food rations

Yaro Village had received food rations and continue to receive assistance from non-governmental organizations and agencies.

Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and private stakeholders have brought vegetable seedlings to re-establish their food security.

Water

Mr Bainimarama informed the villagers that the Water Authority of Fiji would be filling their water tanks. This is in addition to water from the borehole that is currently used by the village.

Nursing station

While there are plans from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to relocate the nursing station to higher ground, Mr Bainimarama has proposed maintenance and repairs on both the quarters and the nursing station.

He suggested that boulders be used along the coastline as a barrier to prevent coastal erosion.

Relocation of Kindergarten

The school management requested Mr Bainimarama to relocate the kindergarten to inner land. Mr Bainimarama said it was possible provided the relocation site was within the school boundary lease. The management should liaise with the Ministry of Education on the issue, he said.

Fisheries

The villagers had not gone fishing for a month after the cyclone as the storm surge had washed away all their fishing gear.

Mr Naisaramaki said since fishing was their main source of income, there was a need for fishing gear.

Tents

Thirty-one tents had been set up in Yaro Village.

Relocation

Mr Naisaramaki made a proposal to the Prime Minister for the village to be relocated. Mr Bainimarama was informed that representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure have surveyed suitable sites for relocation.

Feedback:  laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj