Press Release Detail

In today’s Parliamentary session, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Kalaveti Ravu provided an update on the logging operations in the Maritime Islands, a key economic project supporting local communities. Hon. Ravu said significant investments have been made this financial year to enhance these operations, particularly in Muani in Kadavu, Lakeba in Lau and Narocake in Gau.

In Muani, Kadavu, 83 hectares of pine are set to be harvested, with $600,000 allocated for barge transportation costs. The logging fleet includes advanced machinery, and a dedicated crew of 30 contractors is working on-site, with landowners set to receive $0.8 million from the harvest.

In Lakeba, $250,000 has been released for port construction in Wainiyabia, with expected returns of $960,000 for landowners. The total stocked area in Lakeba is 700 hectares, with future licenses pending compliance and planning.

The Narocake Pine Scheme in Gau has received $25,000, resulting in significant production and infrastructure development. Additionally, the Housing Rehabilitation Programme has provided timber for house frames in Moala and Lakeba.

Hon. Ravu emphasized the project's benefits, including financial payouts to landowners, job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable logging practices. A 20-year Forest Management Plan is also being developed to ensure long-term resource management.

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