The Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries’ spending on logging operations in the maritime islands in the past financial year amounted to about $2,805,800.
Minister Kalaveti Ravu, said of this amount, $850,000 were from grants, $195,800 from the ministry’s coffers, and approximately $1,760, 000 was for payment to the landowners in Muani, Kadavu, and Lakeba.
“There are various measurable outputs and outcomes from these maritime project support and beneficiaries,” Mr Ravu said.
“The total area of pine to be harvested in Muani, Kadavu for this project amounts to 83 hectares, a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, considerable logistics, and interagency coordination, before execution.”
Included in the estimated total pay-out, is the recently released $600,000 to cover barge costs, facilitating the transportation of logs from Muani to Lautoka port.
Groundwork costs, including field verification for stocktaking and jetty scoping, totalled $13,500.
Mr Ravu said the first load of logs is slated for transportation on June 1, and the logging companies, Drelaga Holdings Ltd and Burning Bush Pte Ltd, were actively involved in the process.
Speaking on the expected payout to the landowners, Mr Ravu said it was about fostering positive relationships with local communities who relied on the Government for technical support towards investments.
“The expected return to the landowners in Lakeba will be $960,000 for the initial licensed area of 83ha. While the landowners (in Muani, Kadavu) will be paid by Tropik Wood Industries at a rate of $60 per tonne, resulting in an expected total payout of $0.8 million.”
The ministry is collaborating with the Fiji Pine Trust to develop a comprehensive 20-year forest management plan for all pine schemes in the maritime islands. This plan includes detailed harvesting schedules to ensure sustainable and efficient logging operations across the region.
The government’s ongoing investment and strategic initiatives in the logging operations of the maritime islands not only contribute significantly to the local economy but also ensure the welfare and empowerment of the resource owners.
“With the cooperation and assistance of our financial and investment partners, we are confident that this long overdue harvesting of matured maritime pine project will yield positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.”
