Empowering iTaukei Landowners: A $1.6 Million Initiative Unveiled

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially delivered machinery and equipment valued at $1.6 million to four iTaukei landowning units yesterday. This initiative is part of the iTaukei Development Fund Facility, administered by the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). The equipment handed over includes two tractors, a lorry, a bulldozer, a digger, and a 12-wheeler truck.

During his speech, Mr. Rabuka commended TLTB for its dedicated efforts in empowering landowners across the nation. He expressed optimism that this initiative would enable landowners to better access capital, thus enhancing their ability to effectively utilize resources to foster their businesses and increase participation in economic activities throughout the country.

The prime minister emphasized that this initiative serves as a vital step toward addressing historical inequalities in the distribution of national wealth. He acknowledged that there are often unspoken disparities impacting various facets of national life. “What we’re witnessing today goes a long way to alleviating these differences,” Mr. Rabuka stated.

The four recipient landowning units include:
– Tui Labasa, which received $47,000 to purchase a tractor for farming operations.
– Dreketi Mahogany Landowners Cooperative, a collective of 10 landowning units, was granted an impressive $1.3 million to support mahogany plantations in Vanua Levu.
– Nativi Farmers’ Cooperative, based in Nativi Village, received $62,000 to acquire a tractor for cane farming operations.
– Tokatoka Sautorotoro, a landowning unit involved in property development and management, was allocated $193,400 for vehicle purchases and working capital.

This initiative highlights a commitment to strengthening the economic capacity of iTaukei landowners, empowering them to contribute more substantially to Fiji’s overall economic landscape. It symbolizes hope for more equitable wealth distribution and the prosperity of local communities.

The distribution of this equipment not only aids in improving agricultural production but also promotes entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices among iTaukei landowners, paving the way for a more inclusive economic future.