FIJI GOVERNMENT PAYS OUT $500K-PLUS FOR PINE HARVESTED FROM MUANI
There were expressions of happiness and contentment by the people of the Vanua o Waikatakata in Kadavu after the Fiji Government handed over more than $500,000, the income earned from the Fiji Pine Group logging operation in Muani village.
While officiating at the handover of the cheque last Thursday (16.01.25) evening, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu thanked the Vanua o Waikatakata for their dedication and sacrifice which enabled the successful implementation of the 3-way partnership between the government, Fiji Pine Group and the Vanua.
The total area harvested in Muani under this project amounted to 83 hectares, which yielded a total of 9375 tonnes, comprising of 5 barge loads which were shipped to Fiji Pine Group’s processing facility in Drasa in Lautoka.
“This was a significant undertaking which required careful planning and execution. Although the task was not easy for the government, it is something we will need to continue to do now and, in the future, to bring the required developments to our maritime islands, in line with our National Development Plan and also the Ministry of Forestry strategic development plan”, the Hon. Minister said.
Honorable Bainivalu, in expressing her hope that the money would be invested wisely, advised that it had taken many years for the trees to grow, and would therefore be important that the money the Vanua was receiving was utilized for the full benefit of every families in the village.
In closing, the Hon. Minister commended the Fiji Pine Group, Fiji Pine Trust and her Ministry staff for all their efforts in the successful implementation of the Muani project which ensured that the communities receive the real return from their resources.
The Honorable Minister also expressed her confidence in their future undertakings by stating that, “With us now having a strong and viable partnership, we are confident that our maritime islands projects will continue to yield positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved. Together, we can continue to drive economic growth, promote sustainable practices, and support the well-being of our people.”