Bamboo Raft’s Out, Fibreglass Boat’s In

For 10 years Malake range students risked their lives going down river to attend classes.

Travelling to school using a bamboo raft for students of Malake Village in Saqani, Cakaudrove, was an exercise they practiced for the past 10 years. During that time they would usually reach school late and their safety would always be an issue.

But all that experience ended yesterday thanks to a new fibreglass boat and engine that was presented to them by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama. Mr Bainimarama is on a threeday tour of the Northern Division, which started on Tuesday.

As the PM presented the boat and engine he said the students would no longer have to worry about reaching school late.

Turaga ni Vanua Dawaru Eremasi Rasavuka, 65, in a traditional acknowledgment to the Prime Minster, thanked him for looking into the needs of the students. Mr Rasavuka said for more than 10 years students have had to travel on bamboo rafts (bilibili) along the

Mr Rasavuka said for more than 10 years students have had to travel on bamboo rafts (bilibili) and this was not safe for them. At least 20 year one to six students are from Malake Village.

coast to attend classes at Vanuavou Primary School and this was not safe for them. At least 20 year one to six students are from Malake Village.

He also thanked the District Officer Saqani for relaying their urgent need to the Government. Today, the PM will commission the solar home system at Napuka Secondary School, Karoko Village and Vunisavisavi.

He will end his tour with the handing over of a fibreglass boat and engine at Nakobo Village.

He returns to Suva tomorrow.