BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Residents of Temotu Province are demanding urgent government action to fix what they describe as a chronic transportation crisis, after week-long delays have left women, children, youth and elders stranded at wharves across the province.
A statement circulating on social media this week detailed the ordeal facing passengers waiting for MV LC Plus 1.
The vessel’s voyage was delayed by almost three weeks, the latest in a string of similar disruptions that residents say have gone on for far too long.
“It is extremely unacceptable that our women, children, youth and elders are repeatedly stranded for weeks, forced to spend their limited income on food, transport and accommodation while waiting for a ship to take them home,” the statement read.
One passenger, who asked not to be named, spoke of sleeping rough near the wharf for weeks on end, lighting fires at night to keep warm and enduring dust pollution by day, just because he was simply waiting for the vessel to arrive.
A source also has raised concerns over the use of landing craft vessels for passenger transport, stating that such vessels are designed solely for cargo purposes.
“Landing craft vessels are cargo boats. There is no accommodation for passengers, especially the vessel seen in the photo,” the source highlighted.
The source added that landing craft are built specifically to carry cargo, and not passengers.
According to the source, the Maritime Safety Administration had only issued a safety certificate for the vessel to operate as a cargo carrier, not for passenger use.
Community members say the issue goes beyond logistics. They argue it strikes at the heart of fairness, dignity and equal access to essential services pointing out that while other provinces enjoy dependable shipping links, Temotu continues to be left behind.
The statement calls on the National Government and Temotu’s elected leaders to prioritise the province by deploying a dedicated passenger vessel and guaranteeing regular, reliable shipping services.
“The people of Temotu have waited long enough. It is time for action, not excuses,” the statement said.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
