$120k for first pine shipment

The arrival of the first 2000-tonne of pine from Muani, Kadavu, at Lautoka Tropik Port yesterday marked a significant milestone for Fiji’s pine industry.

The barge departed Muani, Kadavu, on Saturday morning and arrived at Lautoka as scheduled, despite slight weather conditions.

The pine harvesting project in Muani covered 80 hectares, with a total of almost 18,000 tonnes expected to be harvested.

The Muani port opened on Wednesday in time for the loading of the pine onto the barge.

“From the issuance of the pine license in Muani, Kadavu, back in January to the mobilisation of machinery in late May, our journey has been one of determination and success,” Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu said.

“In just three weeks, we harvested an impressive 2000 tonnes of pine.

“For too long the people of Kadavu and the pine scheme in the maritime islands have been waiting for the realisations of their forefathers dreams; it’s time for us to come together to make that a reality.”

Fiji Pine Trust chief executive officer Timoci Nabou said the next shipment was scheduled for next week.

“We have two loads ready,” he said.

The cost to landowners was $60 per tonne.

All up, landowners received $120,000 from the first load.

Operational costs would be covered by government subsidies, he said.

It would take three months to complete pine treatment on the Muani load.

“We have other schemes in Namalata, Solodamu and Yaqara,” he said.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj