The total investment for community development projects in the six villages of Vanua o Nalolo has been set at $300,000 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). The emphasis on project priorities will be guided by the specific needs of the communities involved.
Ratu Isoa Makutu, an Investment Analyst with FNPF, delivered this update during the Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs meeting this week. He referenced the MoU signed last month, detailing FNPF’s commitment through the Momi Bay Resort Ltd (MBRL), which will provide $1.02 million over three years to support both community development initiatives and sustainable economic prospects for the resource owners.
According to Ratu Isoa, the agreement includes provisions that give preference to land-owning units, addressing their needs while maintaining compliance with established standards. He remarked on MBRL’s role in mediating any potential conflicts among landowning units, particularly in relation to business opportunities available within the resort.
An array of commercial opportunities has been identified for the local communities, including transport services, local produce supply, cultural entertainment, village and site tours, handicraft markets, nanny services, as well as activities like horse riding and water sports. Ratu Isoa emphasized the importance of quality assurance, urging villagers to ensure their produce meets the resort’s standards.
Key projects such as the construction or refurbishment of village meeting halls, health dispensaries, school buildings, water and sanitation facilities, footpaths, and street lighting have been identified as integral for communal benefits. Each of these initiatives will draw from the capped budget of $300,000, ensuring that the most pressing needs of the villages are addressed first.
In a related note, Sitiveni Nawaqa, president of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA), expressed that the alliance, which comprises iTaukei landowners involved in hotel operations, will oversee the management of the $1.02 million to ensure it is handled with integrity, transparency, and a strategic focus.
The six villages benefiting from this initiative include Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu, and Navutu, all situated in the Tikina Wai region of the Nadroga/Navosa province. This significant investment is expected to foster sustainable community development and enhance economic opportunities for the local populace.
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