The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, along with various government agencies and international partners, has delivered 33 solar freezers to fishing communities in rural areas.
Minister Alitia Bainivalu presented this information to Parliament, stating that 21 of the freezers were allocated to the Eastern Division, benefiting communities in Lomaiviti, Kadavu, and Lau. The Western Division received nine solar freezers, which were distributed among coastal villages in Yasawa, Ra, and Nadroga/Navosa. Meanwhile, five solar freezers were provided to the Northern Division’s remote islands of Yadua, Kia, and Cikobia, and three were given to areas within the Central Division, including Qoma and Yanuca Island.
This program aims to tackle the difficulties faced by isolated fishing communities, particularly concerning the preservation of their catch and ensuring the quality of fish products during transportation to markets.
Bainivalu noted that this initiative stemmed from extensive consultations with the communities, focusing on preventing fish spoilage, minimizing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the market value of their catch. It also reflects the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability by utilizing renewable energy resources.
The minister highlighted that the assistance targeted communities lacking access to ice plants and who were unable to purchase ice for preserving their catch. The ministry evaluates four key factors to determine which communities receive assistance: accessibility and isolation, community readiness and organization, previous engagement and data sharing, and the priorities of donors and partners.