Delays in the Cogea Relocation Project on Vanua Levu have created a significant disagreement between the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and the Ministry of Forestry. This project was initiated to assist families displaced by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in December 2020, which left 18 households without homes.
The Ministry of Forestry recently expressed concerns over FCOSS’s demand for reimbursement of funds used for the project. They defended their contributions, stating that they processed timber for ten houses using portable sawmills and mahogany logs from the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Ltd. However, they pointed to operational delays on FCOSS’s part, citing issues such as delayed contractor payments and insufficient fuel for machinery, which have affected both morale and project progress.
The ministry emphasized the lack of a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) between FCOSS and themselves, attributing this absence as a source of miscommunication regarding roles and responsibilities in the project. They also noted that while they have processed timber sufficient for ten houses, no construction has begun on site, and the processed timber is at risk of deteriorating.
On their part, FCOSS responded firmly, disputing the ministry’s claims and highlighting inaccuracies. They reported completing two houses based on initial costing and expressed concerns over the suitability of stockpiled timber due to improper milling and exposure to weather. FCOSS outlined their financial contributions, indicating that they had taken on a significant burden for training and operational costs, while mentioning that communication challenges with the ministry have stalled progress.
The tensions have resulted in FCOSS calling for an audit of the Ministry of Forestry to investigate discrepancies in claims and address community grievances linked to the ministry’s ongoing environmental projects. As both sides continue to clash, the families of Cogea remain in limbo, awaiting resolution and a delivery on the promise of new homes.
It is essential that both agencies come together to find common ground and prioritize the needs of the affected families. By fostering cooperation and transparency, there’s hope that this project can be successfully realized, bringing much-needed relief to those in distress.
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