Naburenitu Clan Raises $200K for New Community Hall

Members of the Naburenitu Clan (Mataqali) will no longer meet in cramped spaces, thanks to their collective effort in raising over $200,000 for a new hall in Vitogo Village, Lautoka.

The hall's opening ceremony took place on June 28. Construction began in November and finished in early June. The building features a hall and two restrooms for men and women.

Clan headman Leone Quma shared that he proposed the project during a clan meeting last year.

"Whenever we have a meeting, there's not enough room, so we move around. We were meeting for another issue when I suggested the idea. The mataqali members quickly agreed to contribute $1,000 each, which kick-started our fundraising," Mr Quma said.

"Our first fundraiser brought in $1300, and the second raised $3,000. The total cost was $243,000, funded by the Mataqali Trust. This trust fund, established by the previous Bainimarama government, supports all our clan's functions, not just education. Normally, people ask mataqali members to contribute individually, but now this fund covers everything."

From left: Pastor Jolame Nasilasila, Chief guest Pastor Jona Bainivalu, Pastor Akuila Sauqaqa and Pastor Sanaila Saunoko during the opening ceremony of the Naburenitu Hall in Vitogo Villge in Lautoka on June 28, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau

Mr Quma said that the trust sometimes contributed $10,000, and at other times $3000. Despite this, he set aside additional funds to ensure the hall's completion.

"I didn't expect such a blessing. The Trust provided $115,000, and when funds were low, another $6000 was added to our Mataqali account. This allowed us to finish the project. When auditors reviewed it, they valued the hall at almost $300,000. We didn't receive any external help from the Yasana or the government; it was all financed by our mataqali land money," he explained.

Future projects include building homes for clan members.

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