Komave villagers in Nadroga use the waterfall business to support education and village development.
Aminiasi Koroi, a representative of the Biausevu Waterfall, says the villagers have been working together to operate their waterfall business, known as the Biausevu Waterfall.
Koroi says that over the years, the waterfall has been a source of income for the village, helping fund village development projects and support the education of their children.
He says attending the two-day iTaukei Resource Owners Forum has broadened his understanding of how they can register their business to make it legally recognised.
Koroi also highlighted that for many years, the money earned from their waterfall business was not deposited in a bank; instead, it was kept within the village and used to fund development and education initiatives for the children.
He says they did not deposit their money in the bank because they did not know where to get advice from, but now, they are planning to open an account for their village and education funds.
He is urging all iTaukei landowners who run businesses to continue striving for the betterment of future generations.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, says it is important to continue teaching young people the principles of business, financial literacy, and leadership.
Vasu says they must be equipped not only to manage money but also to create value, lead enterprises, and grow wealth for their families and their vanua.
