Residents of Nasese should expect a boost in business activity following the opening of the iTaukei-owned Vanuabalavu House on Friday.
The $3.2million building is fully owned by Vanuabalavu Vision Ltd, a company owned by the people of Tikina Mualevu and Lomaloma.
Company board chairman Saimoni Vuatalevu said it was a milestone achievement for the company and the vanua as a whole.
“Today is a day of celebration; we are here to celebrate and witness the company’s achievement,” said Mr Vuatalevu.
“Witness its endeavour to prosper and grow, to be successful in its business operations, and to maintain stability going forward in the business arena.”
Mr Vuatalevu said the opening of Vanuabalavu House marked a milestone in the vision and plan for the company.
“Vanuabalavu Vision Ltd is only five years old to date, and we are proud of such an achievement in such a short span of time.
“The company is standing on the shoulders of those who established it, and it’s only right to honour them.”
He said the double-storey building boasted potential office spaces and other businesses.
Mr Vuatalevu expressed his gratitude to Clearview Architects & Boutique Builders, headed by Ulaiasi Baivatu, for bringing the vision to life.
He said Mr Baivatu and his team had completed the construction work in less than a year, and despite the many changes implemented, there was no significant increase in the initial budget.
Mr Vuatalevu urged other provinces and districts to venture into businesses to benefit the future generation.
He said the phrase Duri ga me davo — the misconception that a business owned by an indigenous Fijian usually ends up bankrupt because of many factors such as mismanagement — shouldn’t be encouraged.
“I dislike the phrase; that’s not us, and we have to change the narrative of iTaukei business.”
