MARAIA VULA
KOROVOU
The Sawakasa Mahogany landowners expect opportunities to arise from the harvesting expected to start as soon as practicable. Under the Fiji Harwood Corporation Limited, there are plans to start harvesting soon in the Tikinas of Namalata, Naloto and Sawakasa.
This was highlighted during an inclusive consultation workshop at the Tailevu North College in Korovou yesterday in preparation to the planned harvesting operations to begin in Waito.
Sawakasa Mahogany Station representative, Joeli Baleidrokadroka, said: “The plan has been there for 30 years, our parents and forefathers gave our land for lease because of this.
“Because one day it will be harvested and the time has arrived. I want to prepare the people of Sawakasa so they are ready for opportunities that may come up within the mahogany harvest.
“We have to look for opportunities within the harvesting agreement and it has to be thrashed out and cleared properly to the beneficiaries.
“This is between the owner of the mahogany forests which is Fiji Harwood Corporation Limited, a government company, and the land owner or contractors who participate in the harvesting.”
Mr Baleidrokadroka said landowners have only been involved in the tally and sure money is involved but the cream of the money is in the extraction, cutting, milling and exporting.
“We want to be involved and encourage everyone to be prepared in doing tally, extraction, cutting and even milling and exports,” he said.
Mr Baleidrokadroka noted at the moment the participation of landowners was very minimal in the mahogany industry.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj
↧
Sawakasa Mahogany Harvest
↧