A fisherman from Marou, Naviti, is set to start a fishing and sea transport business after receiving a boat and outboard engine worth more than $22,000.

Jolame Joji received the assistance under the Government’s Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA) Programme, which aims to help people in rural and maritime communities build sustainable livelihoods using local resources and opportunities.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu handed over the boat and engine to Joji in Lautoka.

The new equipment will give Joji and his family a safer and more dependable means of travelling by sea while allowing him to earn an income through fishing and transportation services.

Joji hopes the venture will provide a stable source of income for his family while meeting the transportation needs of communities across the Yasawa Group.