Traditional leaders recently gathered at the Fiji Marriott Momi Bay Resort for the inaugural Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs meeting, during which they discussed $300,000 in development projects aimed at benefiting local communities. Sitiveni Nawaqa, president of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance, characterized the gathering as both historic and emotionally significant.
The council aims to facilitate the distribution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established on December 22, 2025, which specifically targets six villages and clans within the region. This meeting marked a pivotal moment for the community as leaders came together to establish their path forward in terms of community development and education funding.
Under the MoU with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), the total project value for the six villages within the Vanua o Nalolo region is capped at $300,000, which will be distributed based on community needs. Ratu Isoa Makutu, an investment analyst with FNPF, delivered a presentation elaborating on the MoU that was signed last month. This agreement confirms that FNPF-owned Momi Bay Resort Ltd (MBRL) will provide $1.02 million in benefits over three years, focusing on community development projects and sustainable business opportunities for resource owners.
Makutu explained that the agreement prioritizes commercial opportunities for land-owning units, provided they meet compliance standards. He also addressed potential conflicts among land-owning units regarding business opportunities at the resort, emphasizing the importance of MBRL in managing these interests effectively.
The development opportunities encompass a variety of initiatives including transportation services, the supply of local produce, entertainment, guided tours of local sites, handicraft markets, child care services, as well as recreational activities like horse riding and water sports.
The six villages set to benefit from these projects include Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu, and Navutu, all situated within Tikina Wai in the Nadroga/Navosa province. This initiative promises to create a lasting impact on these communities by enhancing educational and economic prospects, paving the way for a brighter future.
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