Residents of Oneata Island, located in the Lau group, are facing significant challenges due to the absence of a postal agency and healthcare services on the island.

During a public consultation for the National Development Plan held at the Waiqori Community Hall, villagers expressed their concerns over the detrimental impact of these deficiencies on the island’s development and the well-being of its people.

Joeli Vuli, a resident of Oneata, highlighted the difficulties faced by the community in accessing postal services.

With no postal agency on the island, residents are forced to travel to Moce Island, incurring a cost of $120 per trip, just to withdraw or send money.

This financial burden significantly diminishes their ability to allocate resources towards essential needs, such as food and improving their standard of living.

Furthermore, Temo Naiqoro, an 84-year-old resident, emphasized the challenges faced by senior citizens due to the high prices of goods at local stores.

He advocated for an increase in monthly assistance to $200 to alleviate the financial strain on elderly residents.

In addition to the lack of postal services, villagers raised concerns about the absence of a nurse to staff the island’s nursing station.

Without access to basic healthcare services, residents are forced to travel to neighboring islands like Moce or Lakeba, posing logistical challenges and risks, especially in emergency situations.

Urgent action is needed to establish a nurse presence on Oneata Island to ensure access to quality healthcare for its residents.

Meanwhile, women on the island have called upon the government to devise a sustainable solution to secure a market for masi production, highlighting the need for economic opportunities to support local livelihoods.

The plight of Oneata Island underscores the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure and service improvements to address the fundamental needs of its residents and facilitate sustainable development in the region.