A yaqona farmer from Delaikatoba Settlement in the Vuna district of Taveuni

A yaqona farmer from Delaikatoba Settlement in the Vuna district of Taveuni has successfully transformed years of dedication into the keys to a new home, facilitated by support from the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management's Rural Housing Assistance (RHA) Programme.

Mr. Saimoni Matawaqa, 51, lost his permanent residence due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Since that time, he, his wife, and their two children have been living in a small temporary structure.

After discovering the RHA Programme during a Government delegation visit to Navakawau Village in 2022, Mr. Matawaqa chose to plant 700 yaqona plants, aiming to secure funds for his one-third contribution to the house. After two and a half years, he harvested his yaqona, earning $24,000, which covered his contribution and additional expenses for his housing project.