MEMBERS of the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) who live in the Tailevu and Rewa province and call Nausori their hometown now have easier access to SPBD’s services at SPBD Nausori Centre, which has relocated to a new office across the road. SPBD, whose membership is restricted to women micro entrepreneurs, opened its branch in Nausori in June 2024 to make it easier for its members in the surrounding villages to access their services instead of going all the way to Suva.
Yesterday in a special ceremony presided over by Methodist Church of Fiji divisional superintendent Nausori Reverend Savenaca Nakeke, SPBD’s new office in Nausori was opened for business.
“We’ve been operating in the old location for two years before we moved here,” SPBD branch manager Nausori Salanieta Coroinagasau said.
“That building now has a new owner who wants to renovate it, so tenants have been told to vacate.
“To ensure continuity of service, we had to look for a new office and we found this, which is more accessible for our members.
“Because of their age, a lot of our members cannot come up the steps in our previous location because the office is located on the second floor of the building.
“They would usually send up a message if we could come downstairs to serve them, so most times, we have to come down and fill their forms on the stairs so they don’t have to come up.
“So we’re very thankful that this new office is right beside the road and our members just walk through the door and don’t have to climb any stairs. Also, this office has a much bigger space.”
In his speech, Rev Nakeke said Fiji possessed two valuable resources: people and land, yet, despite that, poverty existed.
“One of the greatest hurdles is not a lack of will but a lack of opportunity. There is a vast, untapped potential for Fijian women to use their skills and their land to create high-quality goods and services. We know that mothers and wives are always looking for ways to contribute to their family’s well-being from within their own communities. SPBD exists because these hardworking individuals often lack the financial capital needed to launch their own businesses. We bridge that gap”.
SPBD managing director Lorraine Seeto said the relocation, from 6 Ross Road to 14 Ross Road, was more than just a change of address.
“The current owner of our former premises has embarked on redeveloping his building, a reflection of the town’s transformation and modernisation.
“We celebrate this progress, as it signals a brighter future for Nausori and its people.
“For SPBD, this move also responds to our own growing needs.
“Our members have been increasing in numbers, and with that comes the responsibility to provide a bigger, more welcoming space.”
Ms Seeto said SPBD has 89 centres in the Nausori branch, which is served by five staff.
Seated L-R: SPBD managing director Lorraine Seeto and Methodist Church of Fiji divisional superintendent Nausori Rev. Savenaca Nakeke with staff at the SPBD Nausori branch. Inset: SPBD managing director Lorraine Seeto presents a token of appreciation to Rev Nakeke. Pictures: DIONISIA TABUREGUCI
