Nukudamu villagers who are employees of Matai Holdings at Udu Point with their families meet with Matai Holdings Exploration manager, Stewart Capp (back second left).
By RACHNA LAL
Matai Holdings (Fiji) Limited, the company carrying out exploration at Udu Point in Vanua Levu, has over the last seven years, assisted nearby Nukudamu Village in more than one way.
The village is located in the far North of Udu Point and has no road access.
It is so remote that village children have to board at either Udu District School or Duavata Secondary School, about an hour and half boat ride from Nukudamu.
While its isolation has been a hindrance towards development, Matai Holdings’ exploration site being located a short walking distance from the village has had its own benefits.
The company has contributed to the well-being of the villagers as it has progressed it’s exploration work.
Village head, Etuate Lokasi, the Turaga ni Mataqali ko Dokoanisuva, said the villagers welcomed Matai onto the site and have been helped “in so many ways”.
Employment opportunities
Mr Lokasi highlighted 23 people, 12 men and 11 women, from the village have been given employment at the exploration site.
“It has meant steady income and has resulted in many of the workers now having savings accounts, with Matai’s help,” he said.
“This is the first time ever that we have had the funds to plan for the future.”
Mr Lokasi said each of the 20 houses in the village now has tap water and some with flush toilets because of the generosity of Matai Holdings.
“Matai Holdings operates a boat used to bring supplies and personnel from Labasa, a two and half hour boat trip and villagers have been included,” he said.
“Of course there are so many other ways they have helped especially for church and families. They have been good corporate citizens.”
Improving school water
Most recently Matai Holdings has committed to improving the water system at Udu District School following a request from its Principal last year.
Matai Holdings Exploration manager, Stewart Capp, said work should begin shortly with the drilling of a bore hole by the Mineral Resources Department on the school compound.
Matai will donate a solar pump and piping to ensure a constant supply of water to the school.
“Matai Holdings has been looking for ways to assist the school to rectify their hygiene issues and therefore assist the community of Udu Point to receive a quality education,” Mr Capp said.
“This is especially significant for the Nukudamu children as they board at the school and are the most exposed to the potential health issues.
“The provision of water to the existing toilet block will address the immediate hygienic issues which have threatened the school with closure during dry periods.
“We are proud of the relationship we have developed with the people of Udu Point and look forward to developing this partnership as we progress our mineral exploration in the area.”
Exploration works
In April this year, phase two of the Nukudamu Polymetallic metal project on Udu Point commenced.
The site is said to have high volumes of prospective copper and zinc deposits.
Matai Holdings is the Fijian company for Dateline Resources Limited and has been exploring for copper and zinc deposits since 1996.