New boat to boost livelihoods in Qaranivai
Ms Turaga said the new boat would allow the village's youth and women to work together, enabling more people to fish without having to wait for transport.
Friday 24 July 2026 | 16:00
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu (middle) with the Qaranivai Village Youth and Women's Group during the handing over of assistance in Macuata on July 23, 2026.
Photo: Supplied
More than 55 villagers in Qaranivai, Macuata, are expected to benefit from a new fibreglass boat and outboard engine that will improve fishing, generate income and strengthen access to essential services.
The assistance, provided by the Ministry of Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management under its Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA) programme, was handed over to the Qaranivai Village Youth and Women's Group yesterday.
The package, valued at more than $19,000, comes as villagers continue to face rising fuel costs that have made fishing more challenging.
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Group representative Ulamila Turaga said the village had previously relied on a single boat owner, forcing fishers to take turns hiring transport to go out to sea.
"As a fisherwoman, selling fish at Labasa fish market, I thank him for his service and also thank our group members for submitting the application to the ministry last year," Ms Turaga said.
"We prayed for a boat and engine because they are very expensive and beyond our means."
Ms Turaga said the new boat would allow the village's youth and women to work together, enabling more people to fish without having to wait for transport.
Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu said the assistance would benefit more than 55 villagers from 12 households by supporting fishing operations, the transportation of goods and passengers, emergency response and improved connectivity.
Mr Bulitavu acknowledged the ongoing fuel challenges but said the ministry remained committed to delivering practical assistance to rural and maritime communities.
"The Government remains committed to delivering practical development solutions that directly improve the lives of people living in rural and maritime Fiji," Mr Bulitavu said.
"This investment will not only strengthen income-generating opportunities for the youth and women of Qaranivai but will also improve access to essential services and provide greater support during emergencies and natural disasters."
He urged villagers to maintain the boat and engine, operate them responsibly and use the assets to create sustainable economic opportunities for current and future generations.
