Mahogany landowners from five different areas in Vanua Levu will now be able to harvest mahogany and other native trees after a two-week comprehensive training thanks to Fiji Mahogany Trust.

The training saw 44 of the landowners learn how to operate portable sawmill machines, a task they would need when their mahogany trees are ready for harvest.

Landowners from Nayarailagi Village,Naua Settlement, Naravuka Village, Batiri Village and Nacereyaga Village received accreditation from the Ministry of Forestry.

Moreover, with the certificate in hand, they can buy portable sawmill machines to operate their own businesses and also use the opportunity to work in sawmill or logging companies.

The highest number of participants were from Nayarailagi Village and for them it’s more than just a certificate.

Rewarding Programme
Orisi Cabenatabua of Nayarailagi Village said it was the first time for the mahogany landowners in their village to attend such kind of training.

“Along with the adults, the youths joined to learn and we are very thankful to the Trust,” Mr Cabenatabua said.

“We had the opportunity to harvest native trees provided by our Turaga-ni-Yavusa Aminiasi Qera to make timber using the portable machine provided by the Government to assist during our training.”

The 63-year-old retired military officer said the timber would be used to build their first village hall and later carry out the maintenance of their church.

Nayarailagi Village Women’s Group President Merelea Bogi said now their dream to have their own village hall would come true.

“We are 30 women and each one saved $50 through sale of root crops and vegetables and bought one corrugated iron,” Ms Bogi said.

“Now we are going to work to save money to buy nails and other materials.”

She said as men have been educated and trained they now have hope for a proper standard village hall.

More Trainings
Meanwhile, Fiji Mahogany Trust General Manager Sakiasi Rokovucago said they have conducted similar trainings for mahogany landowners across Vanua Levu to help them become competent sawmill operators.

“Such kind of training would help improve their social-economic livelihood,” Mr Rokovucago said.

“I have been informed that the youths who received certificates are now planning to build ten houses in Nayarailagi.”

He acknowledged Government’s support for approving the release of their training staff to conduct training.

“We will continue to seek a wider inter-agency collaboration with all resource base organisations and stakeholders ensuring their empowerment and participation of our landowners in the scheme of things,” he said.

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