The government-funded fare for students traveling by boat to Natusara Primary School in Kadavu is not sufficient to cover the rising costs of premix, leading to boat owners discontinuing their services. Kelepi Saukitoga, a member of the school committee, highlighted that the fare set by the Ministry of Education is inadequate compared to the expenses incurred by the boat operators. He explained that while a student pays $1 for the journey, it costs boat owners approximately $40 to $50 per day for fuel alone, given the number of students and the operational need for multiple boats.
Saukitoga is currently in Suva to engage with officials from the Ministry of Education in hopes of resolving the issue, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to return to school so they can adequately prepare for their upcoming examinations.
In a similar context, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has previously stated that the Ministry has been making payments to service providers, contradicting claims from the community regarding unpaid dues affecting transportation services. Parents have expressed their concerns about the continued disruptions that have previously seen students miss classes.
This situation underscores the critical challenge of ensuring reliable transportation for students in remote areas. Improving communication and collaboration between the Ministry, transport providers, and school communities is essential to prevent future disruptions and support educational accessibility.
Given that the Ministry is aware of the ongoing issues, there remains hope that effective solutions will soon be implemented, enabling students to access their education without interruption. The Minister’s commitment to transparency and accountability in these discussions is a positive indicator for future stability in school transportation.
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