MOALA BOAT REPAIR AND BAKERY BUSINESS RECEIVE GOVERNMENT BOOST

A local fibreglass repair business in Naroi Village, Moala, Lau has received a major boost with close to $30,000 worth of assistance from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, aimed at expanding its operations and supporting the community’s transport needs.

Joe’s Fibreglass Repair Shop, owned and operated by Mr. Jowela Vocetaki, has become an essential service on the island, offering affordable and accessible repair work for fibreglass boats. Mr. Vocetaki, a qualified fibreglass engineer, moved to Naroi with his family in 2012 and soon recognised a critical challenge faced by villagers — the lack of local boat repair services.

“When I arrived, I noticed many boats were damaged, and people were struggling to get them fixed. That’s when I started repairing boats on a small scale,” said Mr. Vocetaki.

Previously, villagers had to send their damaged boats to Suva for repairs, incurring freight costs of over $1,000. This placed a significant financial burden on families in the remote maritime island of Moala. Seeing this need, Mr. Vocetaki approached the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management to enquire about support through its Self-Help Programme (SHP).

With the Government’s assistance, Mr. Vocetaki received essential electric tools and equipment, enabling him to take on more complex repairs and increase efficiency. His shop now services an average of four boats per month, offering three categories of repair: overall, general, and light.

“This assistance from Government will not only help me better serve the people of Moala but also improve the standard of living for my own family. I encourage other aspiring indigenous entrepreneurs to visit their nearest Government office and find out what support is available,” he said.

The project was formally commissioned yesterday by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi R Ditoka, who also handed over bakery equipment to support another local initiative – the Vadra Village Women’s Bakery Project.

Village headman Mr. Sefanaia Curuvakarua welcomed the Government’s support, noting the challenges faced by the women in baking using traditional firewood methods.

“This assistance will greatly improve their efficiency and help expand their bakery business. It’s a real boost for the women and our community,” Mr Curuvakarua said.

Funded under the Ministry’s Self-Help Programme, the bakery project includes a $20,000 investment and is part of Government’s broader efforts to economically empower women and uplift the standard of living in rural and maritime communities.