|
|
From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (23 September 2025) New jetty ends docking woes for Rotuma By Riya Mala The upgraded Rotuma Jetty and improved roads are making transport faster and more reliable for island residents and businesses. Local Postmaster Richard Naidu said the new infrastructure has brought a remarkable change to daily life. He noted that the jetty upgrade has solved long-standing problems where vessels often struggled to dock, while poor road conditions once delayed the 10-wheeler supply truck. “Now the new jetty allows ships to anchor smoothly, and the improved roads allow our 10-wheeler supply truck to reach us faster.” Naidu states the improvements have boosted business efficiency and strengthened links between residents and suppliers, ensuring essential goods arrive more quickly and with less difficulty. He also thanked the government for delivering projects that directly improve livelihoods on the island. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (22 September 2025) Kava shortage in Rotuma, Money allocated for replanting By Kelera Ditaiki The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated $280,000 this financial year to support Kava replanting efforts on Rotuma Island. This is the island faces kava shortage due to overconsumption, limited replanting, and the impact of kava dieback disease. Agriculture Principal Officer Nimilote Waqabaca says, as demand continues to rise, the island has even turned to Viti Levu for supply, driving prices up to $80 per kilogram. Waqabaca says the program for replanting aims to revive local kava farming and reduce dependence on outside sources. “Kava dieback really affected our crops. We want to bring back farming like it used to be and get farmers motivated again.” The agriculture team hopes the initiative will strengthen food security, lower costs, and keep money circulating within the community. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (17 September 2025) $280,000 allocated to support Rotuma farmers By Sainimili Magimagi The Rotuma Farming Scheme has generated meaningful engagement across the island, addressing key agricultural needs and empowering local communities. A total of $280,000 has been allocated to support farmers, with a strong emphasis on developing vegetative and poultry farming, two sectors identified as having significant potential for growth in Rotuma. Principal Agriculture Officer Central Division Nimilote Waqabaca explains that the initiative is designed to strengthen these farming practices, helping families maximise the productivity of their already impressive farms. He notes that many villagers are deeply committed to agriculture, and this scheme offers a valuable opportunity to elevate their efforts and improve food security. While kava farming is not traditionally widespread in Rotuma, Waqabaca adds that specific funding has been set aside to assist those interested in exploring this field. The goal is to enhance farmers' skills, broaden their experience, and encourage more effective use of available land. From Fiji Village (9 September 2025)
By Mikaele Liga
From carrying produce to market to ensuring children get to school safely, improved roads are transforming daily life in Rotuma. The ongoing government roadworks have made travelling across the island safer, quicker, and more reliable. Market vendor Vamarasi Faktaufon says that recent pothole repairs have already eased transportation challenges, especially for school trucks that previously faced delays and cancellations during bad weather. Farmer Karalo Kaurasi of Juju Village also shared that while more improvements are still needed, the changes have already made a difference for families and drivers in the community. He says they are grateful for the current government undertaking these road works. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (3 September 2025) Rotuma advances renewable energy with solar farm project By Sainiani Boila Rotuma Island is making significant strides towards sustainable energy with its ongoing solar farm project, helping reduce reliance on diesel power and providing a continuous electricity supply to the community. Commissioned in 2015, the solar farm in Ahau has been a landmark initiative to harness renewable energy on the island. It was designed to complement existing diesel generators, ensuring the government station and nearby villages receive power 24 hours a day.
Rotuma District Officer Luke Savu highlighted the importance of the solar farm in improving energy security and sustainability. “The idea behind this solar farm project is for the government station and the nearby villages to be on 24-hour supply,” he said, emphasizing that the solar system works concurrently with diesel generators to maintain consistent power.” This initiative marks a pivotal step for Rotuma, an island traditionally dependent on costly and polluting diesel fuel. By leveraging solar technology, the island is cutting fuel consumption and reducing its environmental footprint, while also aiming to make energy more reliable and affordable for residents. The solar farm project also aligns with broader development goals for Rotuma, complementing other infrastructure improvements such as road maintenance and water supply upgrades. With ongoing government support and community engagement, the solar farm sets a positive example of how remote island communities can embrace renewable energy to achieve sustainable development. As Rotuma continues to expand its renewable energy efforts, the project offers hope for a cleaner, greener future for the island and its people. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (3 September 2025) Rotuma undergoing major infrastructure upgrades By Sainiani Boila Rotuma Island is undergoing major developments aimed at improving daily life and sustainability for its community. District Officer Luke Savu says key infrastructure projects are underway, with progress in road maintenance and renewable energy initiatives that promise lasting benefits for island residents. Savu says for the first time, roads across Rotuma have been gravelled, a milestone achievement as part of ongoing maintenance works led by the Fiji Roads Authority.
Savu says work is also underway on water supply upgrades. "We have three boreholes in Rotuma and they are connected 100% coverage to the whole island. So these boreholes are generated through diesel fuel. So one of the challenges is transporting of this fuel back to the island. So the way forward is to have these boreholes be powered by solar. So just recently, the Water Authority of Fiji has got funding of $2.3 million to set up solar panels at the three borehole sites. So with that, the whole island is able to receive water supply 24-7." In addition, a new solar initiative is complementing the existing solar farm established in 2015, which already provides 24-hour electricity to the government station and nearby villages in partnership with diesel generators. These developments mark a significant step forward for Rotuma, improving infrastructure, cutting reliance on fossil fuels, and enhancing the quality of life for its people. The projects are also expected to boost economic activity, strengthen community well-being, and support environmental sustainability on the island. From Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (1 September 2025) Rotuma Youth Festival Ends with Major Development Plans By Fiji One News Team
The 2025 Rotuma Youth Festival concluded on Thursday, August 28, with the government unveiling new initiatives aimed at strengthening youth development and community growth on the island. Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, announced plans for a multipurpose court, a Youth Training Centre, and designated spaces for economic activities. He described the projects as a significant step in the Fiji Government’s commitment to empower young people. The multipurpose court project will move forward once the Rotuma Council of Chiefs identifies suitable land. “We look forward to working closely with the Council to ensure our youth have more opportunities to grow and succeed,” the Minister said. During the festival, the Ministry also distributed $115,000 worth of resources, including sewing machines, sports equipment, solar-power tools, and a sound system, to youth clubs across the island. The support package is designed to encourage entrepreneurship, skill-building, and physical activity. The four-day festival blended celebration with training. Young people participated in sessions on sewing and garment construction, tie-dye, small engine repair, and solar power installation.At the closing ceremony, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their new skills. “This festival has been about more than just activities it has been about strengthening culture, unity, and confidence among our youth,” Hon. Saukuru said. “You are the future leaders of Rotuma, and with the tools and knowledge gained, you are better positioned to shape that future.” |
