THIRTEEN workers from sawmilling companies in Fiji are now equipped with skills and the know-how to convert logs into sawn timber for production needs after a recent training offered by the Ministry of Forestry.
The training was reintroduced by the Ministry’s Training Division as part of efforts to improve timber production and efficiency within the forestry sector.
Director Training Division Sailosi Kinivuai emphasised that while the training division facilitated all training within the ministry and its stakeholders, it worked hand-in-hand with the specialised divisions such as the Timber Utilization Division as it had the skills, facilities and equipment for such training.
Director Timber Utilization Division Tevita Bulai said the sawmill recovery rates in the country – including both portable and static sawmill – recorded during the financial year ranged from 35 per cent – 50 per cent with most sawmills achieving the lower end of the recovery figure.
“The overall aim of the training therefore was to build the capacities of sawmill workers to enhance sawmill recovery rates which will mean less waste, reducing the problems relating to waste disposal and also contributing to sustainable forest management in terms of reduced pressure to cut more trees,” Mr Bulai said.
Forester Sawmill and course facilitator Eroni Suvia said the courses were being reintroduced after 20 years.
He said there was a gap in the forestry sector in terms of proper know-how in the field of sawmilling and saw doctoring.
“Knowledge on how to properly convert logs into sawn timber to achieve the required production standards and efficiency needs will be greatly improved and I am happy the Ministry of Forestry has taken steps with the introduction of these two basic courses,” Mr Suvia said.
Ministry of Forestry’s Executive Director Research and Development Semi Dranibaka said the courses would greatly improve and better the standards of timber products that were being produced in order to compete and meet the demands for high-quality timber in the global markets.
