In a significant move, the Vanua Yanawai, which comprises three Yavusas including the Mataqali Naveitokaki, has expressed formal support for the government’s proposed redevelopment of Mount Kasi. This endorsement was signaled through a traditional ceremony at Dawara Village last week, where landowners presented a tabua to Filimoni Vosarogo, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources. This gesture has been viewed as a pivotal advancement for a project that has experienced notable delays over recent years.
Minister Vosarogo explained during the ceremony that the government’s approach to this redevelopment extends beyond the usual lease payments and royalties. It emphasizes greater inclusion of landowners in the project’s management and in the distribution of benefits. He highlighted that the plan is designed to empower landowners by actively involving them in the value chain through service provision, business initiatives, and enterprise development. “Mount Kasi will not just be about royalties. It will be about empowering landowners to participate in and benefit from the entire value chain,” Vosarogo stated, underscoring the partnership aspect of the initiative.
The ceremony and discussions addressed several long-standing concerns among the landowners, instilling confidence for moving forward with the project. Minister Vosarogo assured that consultations across Cakaudrove would continue, ensuring traditional leaders remain engaged at every stage. The redevelopment of Mount Kasi is perceived as a vital opportunity for economic development in the northern region.
This effort reflects a broader government trend of encouraging active landowner participation in economic activities. Recent initiatives, like the significant tourism project in Nasaulevu involving collaborations with the Fiji National Provident Fund and the Asian Development Bank, exemplify this strategy. Such projects are designed not only to foster economic growth but also to ensure that communities are not passive observers but integral participants who share in the economic benefits.
Overall, the support for the Mount Kasi project exemplifies a collaborative effort between the government and local communities, promoting a future where landowners are empowered investors in their heritage and resources. Such developments signal a hopeful transition towards mutual growth and sustainable economic prosperity in Fiji.
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