The commissioning of the Mataqali Laselase Quarry at Nabaka Village in Rewa marks a major milestone for the people of Navakavu and a significant step in indigenous-led economic development, with the project already delivering tangible benefits including jobs, scholarships for 18 tertiary students, village development support, and rental and royalty returns to landowners and the wider community.
While speaking during the commissioning, Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says this is a significant milestone not only for the Mataqali and the people of Navakavu, but also for the broader national vision of inclusive development and greater iTaukei participation in key economic sectors.
He says the Government recognizes that landowners and traditional resource owners play a critical role in Fiji’s development journey.
Ro Filipe says the quarry and infrastructure sectors are important contributors to national growth, supporting road development, housing, construction and economic expansion.
He says what makes the Mataqali Laselase initiative especially commendable is that it is a community-driven and bottom-up venture, nurtured and guided by the Mataqali itself through the establishment of the Mataqali Laselase Investment Trust.
The Minister says this is an important model of indigenous entrepreneurship and resource stewardship.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the Bose ni Mataqali Laselase for delegating quarry management to a Trust, highlighting the importance of strong governance for accountability, transparency, and sustainability.
Ro Filipe also acknowledged partners including the iTaukei Land Trust Board for enabling landowner participation in development, Hualong Pte Ltd for its partnership and early benefits such as scholarships, a futures fund, village support, and landowner returns, as well as Winstone Pte Ltd and the MY Group of Companies for their continued involvement and planned expansion on Mataqali land.
He says the initiative aligns strongly with Government’s vision of inclusive economic participation, sustainable infrastructure development and community resilience.
INSERT: Ro Filipe on quarry 15 may
He adds that land and resources are valuable assets, but even more valuable is knowledge, education and unity.
Ro Filipe is urging the youth to continue to pursue education and skills development so that they can lead future generations of indigenous enterprises and national development initiatives.
