Couple who died in Navilawa river tragedy laid to rest

Grief hung heavy as family, friends and colleagues gathered to farewell a young couple whose lives were cut short after they were swept away while attempting to cross the swollen Navilawa River in Sabeto.

Tagiyaco Vakaloloma Buli, 31, and her husband, Kaliova Selei, 33, were laid to rest in Korobebe Village, Sabeto, Nadi yesterday.

Police said the couple were caught in strong currents while trying to cross the river on Sunday evening, March 8.

The couple were returning to their home in Legalega after spending Father’s Sunday with their family in Navilawa village in the Sabeto highlands.

Their bodies were later recovered a short distance from the crossing point.

The tragedy has left behind their 11-month-old son, Navunilagi Walobi Botitu Gaunavou, whose first birthday they had planned to celebrate next month.

The child is now being cared for by his grandmother and close family members.

Ms Vakaloloma worked at the Agriculture Research Station in Legalega under the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry’s research division.

She graduated from the Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in Koronivia in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Her journey with the ministry began in 2016 when she joined the Legalega Research Station on attachment. In July 2017 she joined the China–Fiji JUNCAO Technology Corporation Project as a casual worker.

Later that year she was appointed Senior Technical Assistant for the Mushroom Project under the Research Division at the Legalega Research Station.

She was confirmed as Senior Technical Assistant for Mushroom Research and Development on September 24, 2021.

Ms Vakaloloma hailed from Nagatagata Village in the tikina of Savatu in Nadarivatu and also had maternal links to the same village.

Fondly known as Tagi by colleagues, she was remembered as a dedicated and humble officer passionate about agriculture.

Staff at the ministry held a short church service at the Legalega station to honour her life and work.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna paid tribute to her dedication.

“Tagi was a hardworking and committed officer who carried out her duties with humility and dedication,” Mr Tunabuna said.

“Her work in the research division, particularly in mushroom research and development, reflected her passion for agriculture and her desire to contribute to the growth of our sector.”

Mr Tunabuna said her passing was a great loss to the ministry and the wider agricultural community.

Colleagues described Ms Vakaloloma as a quiet but determined worker whose positive spirit earned the respect of those around her.

Mr Selei, who worked for Lion One Metals Limited in Nadi, was also remembered by friends and colleagues as a respectful, hardworking and dependable employee.

Their deaths have deeply saddened family members, colleagues and the wider community.