Labasa ice plant closed for entire month of June for upgrade works

Ministry of Fisheries says the ice plant at the fisheries office in Labasa will remain close for the whole of June.

Principal Fisheries Officer North, Tekata Toaisi, said ice machines have arrived in Suva and will be installed in Labasa as part of upgrade works.

Mr Toaisi said demolition of the existing building has already started and will continue throughout the week and a new 30-centimetre foundation will be built to strengthen the structure and help prevent future flooding.

He said the facility, which is more than 20 years old, is being replaced to ensure a stronger and safer foundation.

“The building is located close to the river, and flooding has caused damage over time,” he said.

Mr Toaisi said two ice plants are currently available for fishermen at Lekutu and Wainikoro.

He said Labasa fishermen are already accessing services from those locations while the Labasa facility is closed.

“These two ice plants are accessible for the fishermen, but for Labasa we need a good structure and foundation so that in future it does not have such issues,” he said.

Ministry of fisheries staff remain on the ground and are working closely on the upgrade.

He confirmed that once the foundation work is completed, the ice machines currently in Suva will be transported to Labasa for installation.

“Once it is installed it will be operational,” he said.

Mr Toaisi said the ministry is working to ensure services are restored as soon as the upgrade is completed.