The residents of Koro Island have gained a new opportunity to express their concerns regarding development and other essential issues. This opportunity arose when Justice Minister Siromi Turaga led a delegation of 40 officials to the island last week. Mr. Turaga noted that this marked the largest ministerial delegation to visit Koro, allowing islanders the chance to directly engage with Cabinet ministers.
During a talanoa session, villagers highlighted the poor state of the island’s roads as a primary concern. There is also a pressing need for vehicle repair services on the island. District officer Salanieta Baleigau expressed that the road conditions are unacceptable, leading to frequent vehicle repairs. In response, the Ministry of Maritime and Rural Development plans to establish the Naunu Tyre Centre project this financial year to support local vehicle needs. Ms. Baleigau explained that transporting a vehicle to the mainland for repair typically costs owners between $500 and $600, and many only manage to have their vehicles serviced once a year. This makes the new project a priority, as there are over 30 vehicles on the island requiring attention.
Regarding road maintenance, Ms. Baleigau informed that the Fiji Roads Authority has allocated approximately $2.1 million this financial year for the upkeep of crossings at Namacu, Nabuna, Mudu, and Sinuvaca. She remarked that the road issues have been ongoing and were previously overlooked.
The need for more government vehicles to support operations on the island was another concern raised during the meeting. Ms. Baleigau explained that there are insufficient manpower, equipment, and vehicles available, with only four vehicles shared among all government stations, including agriculture, health, and police. This limited resource means that when one vehicle is sent for servicing, the remaining three must fulfill all operational needs. Additionally, the Ministry of Health’s vehicle was out of service for nearly the entire previous year, disrupting essential health services.
There are three health facilities on the island—Nacamaki, Nabasovi, and the main station in Nasau. However, staffing remains an issue. The Nacamaki Nursing Station is currently unstaffed, and the Nabasovi station was vacant for three months before filling its position earlier this year. The Nasau station is operating with only one doctor and two nurses, while the local government office is managed solely by Ms. Baleigau and a driver. The Nasau Police Community Post has six officers, with three currently assigned to agriculture tasks.
Education remains a focus for Koro, as Koro High School’s Year 12 and Year 13 achieved impressive national examination pass rates of 70% and 93%, respectively, last year. With 23 staff members this year, the school aims for an 80% pass rate for Year 12 and a 100% pass rate for Year 13, as stated by Ms. Baleigau. Mr. Turaga commended the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue setting high standards.
In terms of school development, the chapel construction project at Koro High School is underway, supported by alumni and parents. However, challenges such as insufficient playground space and shared quarters for teachers remain. Ms. Baleigau emphasized the need for refurbishing available buildings and finding funding sources for improvements.
Additional development plans include the potential construction of a new jetty at Nabuna Bay, which has been under consideration following a feasibility study. This new jetty would alleviate berthing issues and assist the main Muanivanua jetty during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, two American investors plan to establish a five-star hotel in the Nabuna area, which is anticipated to enhance local economic activity and create jobs. Furthermore, a project to build the Koro Ice Plant and Fisheries Station is proposed for this financial year, to be located between Tavua and Nabasovi Village.