“I was really happy when I received my boat that I slept in the boat when it first arrived,” said NDP grant recipient Neori Vakadranu
Qeleni Villager Neori Vakadranu’s persistence in applying a second time for a Northern Development Programme grant paid off when he finally was given the nod last year.
The 56-year-old Taveuni islander was provided the $7665.22 from the grant and loaned a matching amount from a bank to purchase the mainstay of his fisherman’s business.
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“I applied twice but received the grant the second time. Through the grant I now own my first boat and engine,” Mr Vakadranu said.
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“I was really happy when I received my boat that I slept in the boat when it first arrived.”
The father of four now plans to expand his business.
“I put my net out at night and in the morning I check the catch. Through my business I am paying off my loan,” Mr Vakadranu said.
He said he diversified his business utilising the fibre-glass craft to get extra revenue.
“Tourists hire me to take them to their hotels in Yacata and other hotels nearby,” he said.
“Every month I have to pay $250 to the bank for the loan.
“I plan to also have a water taxi business.”
He urges people from the North to utilise the grants provided through the programme.
Edited by Rusiate Mataika
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