Island ice plant brings benefits

[Stacey King]

Fiji Times Online Salaseini Moceiwai Friday, December 20, 2013

PRINCIPAL fisheries officer northern Joji Vakawaletabua says the ice plant on Rabi Island has not only benefited the island but also fishermen from Taveuni and Vanua Levu.

Mr Vakawaletabua said yesterday the plant was being used well since its opening early this year.

"Fishermen from the Garden Island of Fiji, Kioa and the mainland in Tukavesi and Tunuloa travel all the way to Rabi to buy ice," he said.

"The plant is really progressing well because many fishermen are taking advantage of it almost everyday.

"This new machine has drastically reduced travel times and the cost of doing business.

"It has given fishermen on Rabi and neighbouring islands a better chance to make a decent living from their trade."

The plant was an investment by the government and the Japanese Overseas Fishery Cooperation Agency.

The agency provided $140,000 while the government contributed $120,000 for transportation, installation and maintenance.

It was earlier reported the Rabi facility was the 19th fisheries station with an ice plant in Fiji.

[bakateke tabore]

the ice plant could really benefit those relying on commercial fishing if the $500.00 fishing license is reduced to a reasonable amount or to an arrangement which allows fishermen to slowly pay such amount while fishing and making a living otherwise very few will be able to generate $500.00 on the spot to begin with-just a thought