FTCL receives $233k excavator to expand construction, agriculture

The Fijian Teachers Association Cooperative Thrift Limited (FTCL) received a state-of-the-art Caterpillar 313CG hydraulic excavator worth $233,805 on Friday to support its expansion into construction and agricultural ventures.

Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel officially handed over the excavator at the FTA Hall in Suva under the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme.

The Government contributed $150,000 while FTCL paid $83,805 through a one-third, two-third cost-sharing arrangement.

"This initiative is proudly facilitated through the IHRDP under the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development in partnership with the cooperative," Mr Immanuel said.

He said the excavator would play an essential role across multiple income-generating ventures from land preparation and drainage construction to gravel extraction and loading.

"By owning this machinery, the cooperative is expected to save over $500,000 annually in project expenses while also creating new jobs and training opportunities for local operators," the Minister said.

FTCL board chairperson Iosefo Volau said the excavator would enable significant cost savings on civil works for capital projects already on their agenda.

These include the Narewa Teachers' Residential Beach spanning 4.7 acres in Nadi, a 12-acre Narewa Commercial Land project, the Uluikuku Teachers' Village in Nausori, and agricultural projects planting yaqona and ginger on 46 acres in Nabukalevu.

"This excavator represents more than just advanced machinery. It symbolizes progress and opportunity," Mr Volau said.

He said FTCL recently completed the $1.8 million Uluinatabua Teachers' Village project consisting of 10 cyclone-certificate homes in Lautoka, which was opened by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka five months ago.

Mr Immanuel said the Government's target was to increase micro, small and medium enterprises' contribution to the economy from 18 percent to around 40 percent.

"When MSMEs grow, the economy grows, and that is why it is very important for the government to support MSMEs," he said.

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