Islanders Weary of Rising Cost of Cartage, Travel Fees

Villagers of Nasau, Koro in the Lomaiviti Province have voiced growing concerns over the rising cost of maritime transport.

They say, expensive carting and travel fees continue to place pressure on families living in Fiji’s rural maritime communities.

The concerns were raised during consultations held by the Constitution Review Commission(CRC) at the village hall in Nasau yesterday.

Villagers spoke openly about the challenges, they face accessing affordable transportation services.

The government’s Shipping Franchise Scheme was established to ensure reliable and subsidised shipping services for remote islands, connecting maritime communities to major ports and urban centres.

The initiative also aligns with constitutional protections guaranteeing reasonable access to transportation for all citizens.

However, villagers said the reality on the ground remained difficult.

Emosi Radrodro said people in rural maritime areas continue to struggle with high transport and cargo costs despite the existence of the subsidy scheme.

“We are living in the rural maritime areas and it is becoming very hard for us because transport and cargo prices are too expensive,” Mr Radrodro said.

The increasing costs are affecting everyday life for villagers, particularly families who rely on shipping services to transport food supplies, building materials and other essential goods between islands.

Community members are now calling on government authorities to review the effectiveness of the shipping subsidy programme and ensure the intended benefits reach ordinary villagers.

The consultations form part of nationwide discussions by the CRC, gathering views from communities across Fiji on issues affecting citizens and their constitutional rights.