A sub-clan in Nadi is seeing promising business prospects thanks to timely assistance from the government. Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who also serves as the Minister for External Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, presented a new excavator to Tokatoka Namara Development Pte Ltd. This handover marks a crucial development in efforts to bolster rural entrepreneurship and promote sustainable growth.
The addition of the excavator is expected to alleviate financial pressures on the company and enhance its productivity. The firm has ventured into gravel extraction, leveraging local resources to establish a sustainable business that benefits the residents of Sikituru Village.
During the event, Mr. Kamikamica highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring equitable opportunities for traditional landowners and commended the local community’s initiative in setting up a successful enterprise. He mentioned that the investment of $78,666.67, made through the Integrated Human Resource Development Programme, underscores the government’s confidence in the capacity of rural enterprises to stimulate economic progress.
Mr. Kamikamica acknowledged the financial hurdles faced by micro and small businesses, reinforcing the government’s commitment to finding innovative financing options, including small grants and crowdfunding.
He urged community members to participate in forthcoming public consultations regarding the Access to Business Funding Bill, which aims to introduce alternative funding mechanisms.
The new excavator is set to improve operational efficiency and increase production, thereby enhancing local economic benefits. Mr. Kamikamica stated, “This event exemplifies the resilience and creativity of our rural communities. Together, we renew our commitment to nurturing rural entrepreneurship and creating a prosperous future for all Fijians.”
Vilikisa Sayabo, the company’s director, expressed gratitude for the government’s support. “We launched our business two years ago, and through gravel extraction, we managed to purchase a truck, although we were still reliant on hiring an excavator. This year, through the collaborative efforts with the government, we followed the proper procedures and received this machine. The excavator will significantly ease our workload and potentially double our production, allowing us to generate more revenue,” he stated.
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