Grandpa relocates, wants relief for low-income families

A grandfather from Buavou, Seaqaqa, who relocated to Labasa to support his grandchildren’s education, is calling on the Government to continue subsidising water and electricity for low-income households in the 2026–2027 National Budget.

Akeimi Cadramaicake said affordable access to water and electricity was essential for families trying to meet both household and educational needs.

"Water is important for farming and electricity is needed by my grandchildren to study at home," he said.

"We adults can manage without proper water and electricity supplies, but our grandchildren cannot.

"As parents and grandparents, we do as much as we can, but a little support from the Government will make life easier, whether during challenges such as COVID-19 or the global fuel crisis."

Mr Cadramaicake has been living at Napoidi Settlement since 2024 with his wife so they can care for six grandchildren attending Labasa Sangam Primary School, which is a five-minute walk from their home.

With assistance from his sister-in-law, the couple secured accommodation and access to land from the Tuatua Mataqali, where they grow root crops and vegetables.

"I have six children and 16 grandchildren altogether," Mr Cadramaicake said.

"Since there is no primary school nearby, we decided to support our children to continue living in the village while we take responsibility for caring for their children in Labasa and supporting their education."

The 64-year-old became emotional as he recalled that he only studied up to Year Three at Naduri District School in Macuata because he was the eldest of two siblings.

"I only know farming because I learnt it from my parents while living in the village," he said.

"I plant cabbage, long beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, bele, eggplants and dalo. This allows me to feed my family and sell produce to people in the settlement to earn an income."