With $300,000 in development projects on the table, traditional leaders convened for the first Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs meeting at the Fiji Marriott Momi Bay Resort.
Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance president Sitiveni Nawaqa described the gathering as a historic and emotional milestone.
“The objective of doing this council of chiefs meeting is to distribute the MOU that we had signed on the 22nd of December 2025,” he said.
“So, we have six villages and six yavusa (clan).
“And we are sitting today (Tuesday)to distribute all the funds allocated for community development and education funds. This is the first time that we have gathered and discussed our way forward.”
The total value of projects for the six villages in the Vanua o Nalolo is capped at $300,000 under the terms of its MoU with the Fiji National Provident Fund, prioritised according to community needs.
FNPF investment analyst Ratu Isoa Makutu delivered a presentation on the MoU signed between FNPF and resource owners last month, under which FNPF-owned Momi Bay Resort Ltd (MBRL) has committed $1.02million in benefits over three years for community development projects and sustainable opportunities for resource owners.
For commercial opportunities, Ratu Isoa said the agreement stipulated that preference would be given to land-owning units, subject to compliance with required standards.
“MBRL to manage competing interests amongst landowning units that could potentially lead to disputes in relation to business opportunities offered within the resort,” he said.
“Business opportunities to include but are not limited to: land and sea transportation, supply of local produce, entertainment (cultural and choir performances) village and historic site tours, handicraft market stalls, nanny service. Horse riding and water sports activities.”
The six villages set to benefit from the development projects are Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu and Navutu, all part of Tikina Wai in the provinces of Nadroga/Navosa.
