Loggers Help In Community Project

A logging company is committed to develop community projects as a token of appreciation for securing an overplanted pine site for their works.

Vanua Levu Pallets and Sawmillers Ltd (VLPSL) production manager Vinal Pratap, shared his intention with the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Kalaveti Ravu. Mr Ravu visited their timber and processing yard at Vunika, Labasa, on Friday.

The company has secured a pine overplanted area in Nabekavu, Labasa which will contribute to their sustainability in this business.

“We are thankful to landowners of Nabekavu and will reciprocate by developing their community in certain projects,” he said.

Reforestation is an aspect the company prioritises after every logged site. It has reforested four sites in different locations in Vanua Levu.

This is the fifth logging site they secured and this contract is to log pine trees outside the Fiji Pine Limited site area, upon approval by landowners, who had previously planted in large quantity.

Mr Pratap said the organization cares for the welfare of the community that provided an area to harvest.

Community development

Tourism development is the focal point of discussion to facilitate projects that can generate income for the community.

Plans were in place for the development of a tourism eco-mountain tracking site to capitalise on the close proximity of the Labasa Airport.

“Tourist can visit this area and access the tracking site at a fee to contribute towards the community or village welfare,” he said.

Another project eyed for development is the construction of Naberei Village hall in Nabekavu, Labasa.

“We will develop a commercial space like food stalls and handicraft spot near the hall for tourist to purchase once the tracking site is developed,” he said.

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