Outer islands like this can grow with right infrastructure

The newly-commissioned Qarani Jetty in Gau will unlock limitless opportunities for Gau and its neighbouring islands, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He made the statement yesterday while commissioning the jetty.

“This new jetty will help open up this remote area of Fiji,” the PM said.

“It will – for the first time – provide an adequate loading and unloading facility that will cut down on transportation costs; reduce the time it takes to handle cargo; increase the frequency of shipping services and, make travel to and from Gau much more convenient.”

The jetty is future proofed for a berthing capacity of 10,000 tonne vessels at the front face and 2000 tonne conventional berth. It spans 190metres in length with a jetty head and landing area of 527 square metres. It can accommodate ‘Roll on – Roll Off’ vessels just like the ones that ferry between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It also has provisions for smaller fibreglass boats to access the jetty.

The PM said our outer islands – such as Gau and its neighbours – possessed significant natural resources and opportunities in forestry, fisheries and agriculture and tourism.

“But until now, the problem is access. These islands have been too isolated for that potential to be unleashed and they haven’t had the necessary infrastructure,” he said.

“All this means new opportunities for commerce and enterprise. Products grown, caught or created here can now more easily be brought to market elsewhere in the country. And goods from elsewhere can easily be brought here.”

The Prime Minister also opened a new ice plant to help the local fishers there explore new fishing opportunities and expand their commercial activity.

Fiji Sun, June 29, 2016