Empowering Landowners: $1.6 Million Machinery Boost

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officially presented machinery and equipment worth $1.6 million to four iTaukei landowning units in a ceremony held yesterday. This initiative is part of the iTaukei Development Fund Facility, which is being implemented through the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). The equipment distributed included two tractors, a lorry, a bulldozer, a digger, and a 12-wheeler truck.

In his remarks, Mr. Rabuka commended the TLTB for its dedication to empowering landowners across the nation. He expressed his satisfaction with the TLTB’s proactive steps in addressing the landowners’ needs for better access to capital, stating that this support would empower them to better utilize their resources, promoting their businesses and enhancing their participation in the national economy.

Mr. Rabuka also emphasized that this initiative serves as a crucial step toward addressing the issues related to the unequal distribution of national wealth. He pointed out that the disparities that have affected many aspects of national life must be acknowledged, stating that the actions taken today contribute significantly to alleviating these inequalities and addressing the concerns of the iTaukei community regarding wealth distribution.

The four landowning units receiving support include Tui Labasa, which received $47,000 for a tractor aimed at enhancing farming operations; the Dreketi Mahogany Landowners Cooperative, which secured $1.3 million to support its mahogany plantation efforts; the Nativi Farmers’ Cooperative, awarded $62,000 for a tractor to bolster its canefarming activities; and Tokatoka Sautorotoro in Ba, which received $193,400 for vehicle purchases and to strengthen its business operations.

This initiative marks a hopeful turn for iTaukei landowners, providing them with the necessary tools to improve their livelihoods and better integrate into the broader economic landscape. By investing in the resources and capabilities of local communities, the government demonstrates its commitment to fostering equality and economic growth across the nation.