Plans for 'waiting sheds' announced - Rabi Island

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIME ONLINE Ioane Burese Saturday, July 30, 2011

 

PASSENGERS of inter-island ferries will no longer have to spend hours waiting for their boats in discomfort.

According to the Information Ministry, the construction of waiting sheds at jetties is expected to begin in the North next year.

The design of waiting sheds have been prepared for jetties in Savusavu, Vanuabalavu and Rabi.

Roads and Airfields director Atunaisa Nayago said they were aware of the discomfort faced by sea travellers while waiting for boats at jetties.

"At these waiting sheds, the travellers will receive protection from the elements, a good place to eat and ablution blocks," Mr Nayago said.

The waiting sheds will be built at seven places - Vunisea on Kadavu, Taveuni, Koro, Vanuabalavu, Rabi, Savusavu, and Qarani on Gau.

This project is worth about $1.7million with each of the waiting sheds costing the Government $250,000.

The construction on Koro island is being prioritised because of the jetty's isolated location.

Construction at Vunisea and Taveuni have been completed while work at Qarani on Gau is expected to begin this year.