BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Member of Parliament for Ranongga/Simbo, Wayne Osopo Ghemu, has delivered a major boost to communities across his constituency with the donation of outboard-motor engines and boats to farmers, fishermen, and rural villages.
Gizo Wharf came alive yesterday as hundreds from Ranongga/Simbo and neighbouring islands gathered to witness the official handing over of the transport assets.
The atmosphere was filled with cheers and smiles as recipients watched their new boats being launched and fitted with brand-new engines.
For many, it was a long-awaited moment that signalled improved access to markets, hospitals, and essential services.
One recipient, Frank Vavira, described the occasion as a “happy and important day” for the people of Ranongga/Simbo.
He said transport difficulties have long affected communities, especially when travelling to Gizo Market or during medical emergencies.
“This time we have these important assets, and I want to acknowledge our Member of Parliament for recognising our need.
“This engine will help our community, especially women, to transport their produce to Gizo market, transport the sick, and support other commitments,” Vavira said.
Frank, who received a 30hp Yamaha engine, added that owning such equipment was once unimaginable due to the cost.
“Not in a million years did I imagine owning an engine…For that, I acknowledge our Member of Parliament for supporting us with these important assets,” he said.
Another recipient, Hopkin Keza, who received a 60hp engine, also praised the MP for the support.
He said the boat will serve multiple purposes, including market trips, emergency runs, school transport, and church activities.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be one of the recipients of the Ranongga/Simbo Transport Project,” Keza said.
For Isacc Puge, the handover was nothing short of a dream come true.
He spent the day smiling “like a man who had won a million-dollar lottery prize.”
Puge said the boat and engine will open new opportunities for his family and community.
“There will be no more looking for a boat to transport our products to Gizo. We now have our own engine and boat – meaning we can transport our products more frequently,” he said.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Lawrence Walter said the donations were funded under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development’s (MID) Transport Initiative Fund.
He said the constituency distributed four 60hp engines, six 40hp engines, two 30hp engines, and seventeen 15hp engines.
Walter adds that the constituency also purchased two Ray-boats and five fibreglass boats.
He said the objective of the program is to strengthen essential transport services for rural communities.
“This is part of our ongoing plan to equip communities with necessary services to improve their livelihood,” Walter said.
He said more projects are underway, including the distribution of 60-watt solar lights to elderly individuals, and the planned rollout of 500-watt solar power sets to households in the coming months.
Walter assured that the constituency office will keep implementing development initiatives with the aim to improve the lives of the people with the continued support of MP Ghemu.
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