Villagers in Lakeba and the wider Lau Group are expected to benefit from new jobs and income opportunities following the handover of a portable sawmill to support a forestry project on the island.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu handed over the sawmill to the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, in Suva.
The sawmill, valued at around $60,000, was funded through the Ministry’s Rural Outer Island Development Programme after a proposal was submitted by Lakeba Nexus Holding Pte Ltd in May this year.Bulitavu says the project will support plans to develop a sustainable commercial forestry industry on Lakeba.
The portable sawmill is expected to help process about 446,000 cubic metres of standing pine timber over the next 15 years.
The company is also expected to continue replanting trees to ensure the project remains sustainable for future generations.
Bulitavu says the project is expected to create employment, build skills in timber processing and allow more of the economic benefits to remain within the island community.
He says the sawmill forms part of a wider Government investment plan for Lakeba, with around $500,000 already invested through the Office of the Divisional Commissioner Eastern.
This includes the Lau Workboat to improve transport between islands and a blast freezer to help fishers store their catch, reduce waste and increase their income.
Bulitavu has urged Lakeba Nexus Holding Pte Ltd to manage the project responsibly and maintain high standards of safety and sustainable forestry.
