Taveuni Multicultural Land Purchase Co-operative Limited has been advised to take full ownership of the business and ensure it continues to flourish.

The recommendation was offered by Minister for Trade, Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica when handing over a solar hot air drier, implements and a renovated improved warehouse at Naiyalayala on Wednesday.

Mr Kamikamica said the Fijian Government was investing in them and now it was their turn to run the business with hard work and integrity.

“You will face challenges along the way, like any other business, but staff at the Ministry of Trade, Cooperative and SME’s will continue to support you in whichever way we can,” he said.

Mr Kamikamica said a key responsibility of his ministry was to come up with ways to support and empower Fiji citizens to make a living and grow.

The project is valued at $56,722.95 and the Government gave two thirds to the value of $37,815.30.

One third of $18.907.65 was paid by co-operative.

“This funding means that we, as Government, have the confidence in this co-operative, the people of Taveuni and the province of Cakaudrove,” he said.

Cooperative Background 

The business entity is owned by 150 members of different backgrounds who have agreed firstly to purchase land and to utilise it well for business that will benefit members. It started in 1991 and has been in motion for more than two decades now.

The co-operative has completed its initial objective of subdividing and allocating land to its members as a land purchase co-operatives and now ventured into utilising the existing warehouse facilities and land for machine hiring.

The co-operative has acquired two diggers, tractor, truck and single cab vehicle which are available for hire to members and non-members.

This has been a sustainable revenue stream for the co-operative.

Story by: Shratika Naidu – shratikan@fijisun.com.fj