Dear Editor – There is a phenomenon going on amongst the populace of East Kwaio regarding the MV Gulatata’e, which I could not understand especially when people could not called it by the vessel’s rightful name but Faka ala sofu (Sofu’s ship).
I certainly have questioned it myself as an East Kwaio constituent since the vessel has its own name why can’t the people call it by its right name.
After reasoning out this repetition I began to realize that the people of East Kwaio are not insane or illiterate but in fact they are right.
This is because the East Kwaio constituents realize that Stanly Sofu is the sole owner of the vessel may be plus his close relatives and cronies who are called board of directors.
Secondly the people have seen that the vessel was purposely bought only to be economically oriented but does not prioritized providing essential services to East Kwaio as was his promise.
Therefore it seems as there is nothing the constituents will benefit out of this vessel apart from monthly services to the constituency which other vessels have provided the same service in the past.
Thirdly if the vessel should have to be owned by the East Kwaio constituency then why shouldn’t they became shareholders in the company so as to show that truly this vessel Gulatata’e is East Kwaio constituency owned.
Since arriving in the Country the ship has undergone several major maintenance and repair works.
I have a question in mind, where are all this money provided for maintenance and repairs came from, was it from the board of directors or shareholders?
I for one strongly believe that you are diverting constituency funds to do maintenance and repairs on the vessel which is not in the best interest of East Kwaio constituents.
Where did the constituency funds for the last six months of 2016 went since we did not see and felt any project funded in East Kwaio constituency during this period?
The maintenance and repair work has amounted to $3m.
Most people in East Kwaio did not travel on board the MV Gulatata’e because it is expensive in fare and freights compared to travelling made through Auki route, which is much cheaper, reliable, and faster.
The MV Gulatata’e is a second hand vessel imported as garbage to our country and will continue to develop problems in the future.
I feel sad to say that funds intended for East Kwaio people will be on diversion again as before and this I hope will continue unless there is change in the leadership in East Kwaio Constituency in the next coming national election.
John Maenawa‘i
Kwaibaita Valley
