A GOVERNMENT delegation led by Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki is in the Yasawa Group to review and follow up on developments carried out by the State this year.
The trip also coincides with the tikina council meetings that started at Bukama Village yesterday.
At the top of the agenda will be the issue of a franchise shipping service.
Travel has been one of the major problems faced by the islanders since the sinking of the Bawaqa near Viwa island in 2009.
Ba Provincial Council chairman Ratu Meli Saukuru, who is also in Yasawa, admitted that transport was an issue of concern to the islanders.
"People of Yasawa, especially in the far north, are affected by the lack of shipping services," he said.
"I believe the government is doing its best to provide assistance to the islanders. Apart from the government's effort, the Ba Holdings Limited which is the financial arm of the council is also trying its best to solve the issue."
Earlier this month the shipping issue was raised before the visiting Constitution Commission by Yasawa-i-Rara villager Peni Tui. He said they had been asking for assistance the past six years.
Mr Tui said villagers had to pay more than $500 if they wanted to take the sick to the hospital.
Divisional planning officer Luke Moroivalu said the main objective of the trip was for government officials to update the islanders on the major development projects being planned.
"The trip is to also review the progress of some development works carried out by the government this year," he said.
More than 40 government officials from various departments in the west are part of the touring delegation.