Buakonikai villagers on Rabi Island, Cakaudrove will now be able to save $70 as they have been assisted with two solar freezers.

The freezers were provided by the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disas­ter Management.

Fishermen and fisherwomen re­tail project member of Buakonikai Village, Teribeta Hedstrom, said now they do not have to travel to Nuku Village on the island to buy ice and sell fish.

“Now we can make our own ice, sell fish wherever we can and even store leftover fish for next day sale. Our decades of struggle both for men and women have been ended by the Government,” she said.

She thanked the Government on behalf of the villagers during the event last Friday.

Minister of Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Dis­aster Management Inia Seruiratu said Rabi Island was well known as a fishing community.

“I am aware that the islanders are heavily dependent on fish and oth­er seafood for their food security and income,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“We were also aware of their struggle made known through talanoa sessions and now this struggle would be a thing of the past.”

He said this Income Generating Project was funded under the Min­istry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Manage­ment’s Self Help Programme at a cost of more than $20,000.