Poor network connectivity, affordability and lack of awareness are some of the issues faced by Naitasiri residents in relation to the Walesi digital television platform.
A team from this newspaper visited farmers in Naivorati Village in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri, and Dawasamu, Natalei-i-ra, and noted their issues regarding the network.
David Bainivalu of Lomaivuna said he did not own a TV set because he could not afford one.
He said his three children were deprived of the supplementary education programs aired on Walesi’s educational channel.
“My kids go to primary school, I have no TV and I have no idea about the educational channel,” the 31-year-old said.
“Some people have TV, some don’t, but the problem here, from what I have heard, is that some places it is not very clear.
“Only half of the homes here have power, I am one of those who have no power.”
Natalei-i-ra, Tailevu farmer, Anare Varu, said he, like some people in his community, did not own a TV set. “I depend on radio for news or information,” the 52-year-old father of eight said.
Vuniani Dakuwaqa of Natalei-i-ra Village said he had Walesi but some of the channels were “scrambled”. “It’s hard to catch here,” the 39-year-old said.
“We have picked up the materials from school and we try to teach what we can at home.”