To ensure that families in Kadavu have a roof over their heads in the next few months, the Government will be using fallen pine trees as a means of providing this basic necessity.
Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu who is currently in Kadavu says they are mindful that pine plantations in Kadavu are the results of the sweat of their forefathers and in collaboration with Fiji Pine Trust they will set up a stumpage rate whereby pine resource owners will be paid on the pine trees that fell during TC Harold.
The Minister says 300 families from 48 villages in Kadavu had their homes destroyed and 586 more from 52 villages are living in partially destroyed homes.
He says pine trees that have fallen will be sawn and treated and will be used to provide timber for rebuilding.
Naiqamu says the government aims to achieve this with the use 9 portable sawmills currently in operation in Kadavu.
He adds the Government will also start its Cash For Work or Cash for Tree Planting Programme whereby those who have recently lost their jobs due to COVID-19 will have a chance to earn a living by planting trees in their communities.
Trees planted will be counted towards the 30 Million Trees in 15 Years initiative.
He says the programme is funded by the UNDP and is a means of encouraging communities to establish their nurseries and raise fruit trees to enhance their food security.
Naiqamu says the initiative will involve the raising of native seedlings for personal and commercial use to ensure that timber is provided for shelter.
The Minister is urging the people of Kadavu to unite and plant trees for the future of the island and the nation.
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