Dedicated jetty planned for Lakeba to support major pine harvest

Plans are underway to construct a jetty in Lakeba, Lau to support upcoming pine harvesting operations and protect village infrastructure from heavy vehicle damage.

Project spokesperson and iTaukei Trust Fund Board, chief executive officer Aisake Taito said that the dedicated jetty was necessary to manage the heavy machinery, logging trucks, and timber exports associated with the island's forestry sector.

“There are concerns about the impact heavy vehicles will have on existing village roads, which is why a separate jetty is being planned specifically for logging activities,” Mr Taito said.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is currently open for the proposed site at Wainabia, the location of a former sawmill.

Funding for the project is being sought through a partnership involving the Fiji Pine Trust, the Ministry of Forestry, and the Fiji Roads Authority, with a focus on improving road access to operational and planting sites.

The island’s pine resource is estimated at 445,000 cubic meters, marking the first major development under the current forestry plan.

“The market is already secured through an agreement between Lakeba Nexus and Tropik Wood, with harvesting expected to begin in July 2026,” Mr Taito added.

The company will now enter a six-month preparation phase to purchase equipment and recruit management and operational staff before the harvest officially commences.