Bananas played a significant role in the trade and commerce of Naitasiri province during Fiji’s colonial history. Recently, a team from The Sunday Times traveled along the rough Sawani-Serea Road for about an hour and a half to reach the picturesque village of Serea, surrounded by verdant mountains.
Upon arrival, the team performed a traditional sevusevu ceremony for Ratu Viliame Rarogaca Ravuilagi, the Turaga na i Taukei Waimaro, after which they were granted permission to explore and document the village’s historical sites, with Ratu Viliame himself serving as their guide.
One prominent historic site is the dilapidated structure of a once-thriving business founded by Sukh Lal, the son of a Girmitiya, which marked the first commercial enterprise in Serea. Ratu Viliame shared that Sukh Lal was raised by an iTaukei family after losing his mother as an infant, which contributed to his deep connections with the community.
As Sukh Lal established his business in Serea, it initially started small but soon grew into a prosperous venture, capitalizing on the booming banana trade of the time. Ratu Viliame recalled that cooperative efforts among locals led to vast banana plantations throughout Naitasiri, utilizing the river for transport, which made Serea a crucial stop for farmers and traders.
The village’s location along the Sawani-Serea Road and the Wainimala River contributed to its role as a commercial hub, where farmers would sell their bananas directly rather than transporting them to Suva. Sukh Lal’s store offered a wide range of goods, from basic groceries to fuel, and even included a tailor from India who was well-regarded for his work.
The banana trade thrived in this idyllic setting until modernization and new roadways led to a decline in agricultural activities, with many locals migrating to urban areas. The use of fertilizers also affected soil quality, contributing to decreased banana production. As transportation shifted away from the river, Serea gradually lost its prominence as a commercial center.
Ratu Viliame reminisced about how Sukh Lal eventually left the business for his sons to manage and moved to Tailevu, where he later passed away. He noted that discussions were held to encourage Sukh Lal’s sons to sell their assets in Serea and invest in their futures.
The once-bustling site of the raintree landing, which served as a key point for river transport, has changed significantly. Ratu Peni Rotacikalou, Ratu Viliame’s son, indicated that the raintree was cut down last year, and its wood was being transformed into a lali for the village church.
While the Wainimala River no longer serves as the primary transport route it once was, it still holds significance for the community. However, Ratu Peni expressed concerns about environmental degradation affecting the river’s health due to activities like gravel extraction and climate change.
Despite these challenges, the villagers remain committed to sustainable practices and the preservation of their environment. Although Sukh Lal’s shop is now a memory, it symbolizes the potential for unity among diverse groups in Fiji and the prosperity that can arise from strong community bonds. The article aims to share this history respectfully, inviting other perspectives to be included in future discussions.