Settlement Receives Life-Sustaining Boat And Engines
Receiving a new life-sustaining fibreglass boat and engine, has been a dream come true for the residents of Dogoi Settlement, in the district of Dogutuki in Macuata province.
The assistance was made possible through the support rendered by the Prime Minister’s Office at a cost of $20,180.
Officiating at the handover, Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, said he was honoured and thankful to the Government for continuing to assist the Northern people whenever the need arose.
Mr Rainima said the assistance had provided Dogoi residents with an opportunity to improve their livelihood and income-generating needs.
He said the onus was now on the residents to make wise use of this assistance and ensure the progress of their settlement continued.
“The assistance is aimed at securing the future of the young generation, and we hope to hear success stories from this village in the coming years,” he said.
Dogoi Settlement headman, Benny Johan Louis, was overwhelmed with the Government support for their village.
Mr Louis said they woke up yesterday morning with an air of excitement running through their bodies because their two-year wait had finally ended.
They had lodged their request with the Prime Minister’s Office back in 2019.
He said the boat, accommodated with the 60 horsepower engine, would be well utilised by the four households that make up the mini settlement.
“This assistance will open up a world of opportunities for our people because we will be able to use the boat for fishing purposes and then engage in commercial seafood sales to support our income,” he said.
The 48-year-old felt privileged and fortunate that their request had been heard considering the number of applications submitted by other villagers and settlements nationwide.
“We live quite a far distance away from Labasa Town, and our area does not have an accessible road so this boat assistance will greatly cater for our transportation needs,” he said.
Mr Louis also confirmed they were spared by both Tropical Cyclone Cody and the aftermath of the volcanic eruption in Tonga last week.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
