By MARAIA VULA
Government’s MV Rogovoka II yesterday departed for the second time for the Northern Lau II Group of Islands from Government Shipping Services Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva.
MV Rogovoka II is making up for the services provided by South Island Traders’ vessel Liahona which normally services the route under the Government franchise scheme.
MV Liahona owner, Ulaiasi Baivatu, confirmed Liahona has encountered engine problems.
He said this was the reason they could not service Northern Lau II, Lomaiviti and lower Southern Lau.
“I have informed the matter to the Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities and they have found other vessels to service these routes until the problem is fixed.
“But at this stage I cannot confirm when the vessel will be fixed and if we will be servicing any time soon,” he said.
The islands franchise ports being serviced are Yacata, Cikobia, Tuvuca, Nayau and Lakeba.
The franchise is paid by government and the ministry of transport is using the MV Rogovoka II to service lower Southern Lau and Northern Lau II islands once a month.
The Ului Nabukelevu vessel was also chartered by Government under the franchise scheme to service the Lomaiviti trip to Gau, Nairai and Batiki islands.
About 70 passengers are allowed on board the MV Rogovoka II with their cargo.
It is also understood the franchise contract still belongs to South Island Traders.
But if in any case of emergency, other vessels can be used under the directive of the Ministry of Transport.
The last trip made by the MV Liahona was in December servicing its franchise routes.
MV Rogovoka II at the Government Shipping Services Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva, before leaving for Lau. Photo: RONALD KUMAR