Fatiaki: Shipping services to Rotuma essential
NEGOTIATIONS should be done between Government and Goundar Shipping in good faith to carry on servicing Rotuma as it is an essential service, says Fiji Rotuman Association chairman Victor Fatiaki.
Earlier this month, Goundar Shipping had announced the halt of its franchise and private runs to the Northern Lau group and Rotuma because of rising fuel costs.
“I just came back from Rotuma and the shops there have ran out of fuel, sugar, milk, flour and other essential items,” he said.
“Surely there is abundance of roots crops, rourou, bele and fish, however, there is a big shortage of all the essential items that people use daily especially the children.
“This is between Gounder Shipping and the Government to sort out such an increase without stopping the shipping service to Rotuma because this is an essential service that any government should provide.
“When I was in Rotuma, I heard that the Government is sending a vessel this Saturday (June 25) to take all the essential items needed.”
He said the people of Rotuma put out their frustrations on social media and through the Council of Rotuma via the District Office.
“The Fiji Rotuman Association which is the biggest Rotuman association in Fiji is starting to work together under the umbrella of the Rotuma Council in order to address these sort of problems faced.
“This has showed that Rotuma cannot afford to rely on other shipping companies but to seriously look at getting their own vessel to service Rotuma and have control of their destiny.”
The franchise contract was due for renewable next month.