Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially presented $1.6 million worth of machinery and equipment to four iTaukei landowning units in a ceremony held yesterday. This initiative is part of the iTaukei Development Fund Facility, organized through the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). The donated machinery includes two tractors, a lorry, a bulldozer, a digger, and a 12-wheeler truck.
In his address, Mr. Rabuka praised the TLTB for their dedication to empowering landowners across the nation. He expressed his contentment with the TLTB’s proactive measures to address landowners’ challenges in gaining access to capital. According to Mr. Rabuka, the initiative will empower landowners to maximize their resources and engage more actively in the country’s economic activities.
Mr. Rabuka highlighted that this effort represents a crucial step towards alleviating issues related to the unequal distribution of national wealth. He noted the necessity of addressing long-standing disparities within the nation’s fabric, emphasizing that the developments witnessed today will contribute positively to bridging those gaps.
The four landowning units receiving support are: Tui Labasa, which has been given an advance of $47,000 to purchase a tractor for its farming operations; the Dreketi Mahogany Landowners Cooperative, comprising 10 landowning units involved in mahogany plantation, receiving an advance of $1.3 million; Nativi Farmers’ Cooperative, a canefarming group from Saivou, Ra, which secured $62,000 for a tractor; and Tokatoka Sautorotoro, a Ba-based unit focused on property development, which has been approved for $193,400 to enhance its business operations.
This initiative signifies a meaningful investment in local communities, providing them with resources to thrive and promote economic participation. It reflects a commitment to supporting the iTaukei population and fostering a more equitable economic environment for all.
Overall, this development is a strong positive step towards ensuring that landowners have the necessary tools to enhance their productivity and contribute to the broader economic landscape in the country. It embodies hope for a more prosperous future for the iTaukei community and a fairer distribution of resources.
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