Wharf

The wharf is out of operation after it was damaged during Cyclone Tino on Friday.

Rotumans have since taken to social media calling for the relocation of the wharf to the other side of the island at Motusa.

The Director of Fiji's National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko, said it would look into the relocation once it received an assessment report from the local commissioner.

Mr Kalsakau has contacted the New Zealand High Commission for an explanation on what's happening with the inter-island shipping wharf project and its funding.

RNZ Pacific's correspondent reported the Vanuatu Project Management Unit had said the project was stopped last year over design concerns.

Mr Kalsakau said he was appalled by the dire condition of a temporary wharf.

When ships are operating, the area is congested and hazardous for crews, passengers and adjacent residents, he said.

Approximately 450 passengers were stranded aboard their ship after security personnel deemed the situation unsafe.

Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, who happened to witness yesterday's events, quickly assured cruise ship operators that he would guarantee public safety, and instructed the Vanuatu Mobile Force, National and Municipal Police to enforce strict security in the wharf area.