GOVERNMENT confirmed a $1.2m ice plant would be set up on Koro Island. Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau said the ice plant would be an income generating project for Koro islanders.
Mr Koroilavesau said the ice plant would take about three years to set up before it was in full operation.
“This year and next year our focus is Koro island. One thing I have noticed that the Ministry of Fisheries’ assistance on the island was not 100 per cent so in the next two years our focus is Koro.
“You have your farms that have been sustaining you, and because yaqona takes time to harvest, this ice plant will help in the preservation of fish thus contributing to the economic situation of the island.”
Mr Koroilavesau said the Government would also help set up the running of seaweed farming on the island.
Meanwhile, Mr Koroilavesau handed over a fibreglass boat and outboard engine worth about $20,000 to Nabuna villagers on Koro on Friday.
The new boat will assist the fishermen in policing their traditional fishing ground.
