The Japanese government funded solar-powered freezers worth $186,400 has been installed in eight villages in the Yasawa group to enhance seafood storage.
The Japanese ambassador to Fiji, Kawakami Fumihiro, last week accompanied the Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau to handover the solar freezers to Natawa Village in Yasawa.
Mr Fumihiro said the solar freezers would help facilitate the effective use and storage of seafood and fish produce. After the downturn in tourism related businesses because of COVID-19, he said many people were heavily reliant on marine resources for their basic livelihoods and self-sufficiency.
“The solar freezers will be key to maintaining the freshness and quality of the fisheries products,” Mr Fumihiro said.
“The project will not only enable the people to ensure food security for their sustenance, but will also increase their income through competitive prices as the solar freezers would help maintain the fish quality.”
The ambassador said the assistance would boost the food security in the Yasawa group as livelihood and economic activities were severely affected by the pandemic. The villages were Dalomo, Bukama, Yasawa-i-Rara, Naisisiri, Gunu, Wayalevu, Natawa and Kese.
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https://www.fijitimes.com/seafood-storage-japan-gives-186400-worth-of-solar-powered-freezers/