In a push towards sustainable urban mobility, Suva’s first bike rental and sharing scheme, Qaqi Mai: Bike Share (Fiji), is being spearheaded by a local young entrepreneur Eliki Dakuitoga.
Dakuitoga’s initiative is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution in Fiji’s capital with Qaqi Mai: Bike Share that has garnered support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other global institutions.
This initiative is now supported through UNDP Small Grants Programme as it is aligned to one of United Nations’ key strategic initiatives focused on catalysing sustainable urban solutions.
Dakuitoga’s vision for Qaqi Mai was born during his daily bus commutes between Nausori and Suva, where he witnessed the struggles of fellow passengers.
Reflecting on his own humble beginnings, Dakuitoga was struck by the gruelling commutes and felt compelled to find an eco-friendly and accessible solution to ease the burden on Fiji’s commuters.
“One morning, you get those ‘light bulb’ moments… it hit me on one of those rides to work—something has to be done,” Dakuitoga shared with FBC News.
From this inspiration, he developed Qaqi Mai, a bike-sharing venture designed to offer Fijians a sustainable alternative to traditional forms of transport.
“Qaqi Mai” in Fijian means “to peddle” or “grind it,” and the company aims to give the phrase a new, deeper meaning through its mission to provide accessible green transportation.
The project has already received significant support through grants, including one from the Global Green Growth Institute’s (GGGI) Pacific Greenpreneur Programme.
After facing setbacks in his first attempt to secure funding, Dakuitoga remained determined, ultimately securing $10,000 in seed funding from GGGI. He plans to launch the pilot programme in Suva by 2025, offering bicycles for rent at universities and hotels, with an app-based registration and payment system.
Qaqi Mai aligns with Fiji’s national goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and also reflects a global shift towards greener urban transport solutions.
Dakuitoga says the bicycles feature cutting-edge technology, including GPS tracking, anti-theft mechanisms, and maintenance-free tyres, making them a practical and secure option for Fijian commuters.
While Dakuitoga recognises the financial challenges ahead, including shipment costs for the bicycles, he remains optimistic, buoyed by the Fijian government’s decision to waive import duties on bicycles.
Dakuitoga told Pacific Makete that he hopes to expand the scheme beyond Suva, eventually introducing electric bikes and scooters as part of Fiji’s green transportation future.
Dakuitoga is determined to make Qaqi Mai a leading name in Fiji’s green transport sector, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the island nation.
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