Landowner Sairusi Degei is encouraging fellow landowners in Macuata to consider utilizing their unused land by partnering with the Fiji Pine Group of Companies. Speaking to local media, Degei highlighted that landowners who are not currently engaging in any economic activities on their properties could benefit from growing pine trees.
“For those of us with ample land, let us make use of it,” he urged. He emphasized that if the land cannot be developed by other sectors, it would be advantageous to collaborate with the Fiji Pine Group. Degei believes this initiative would significantly benefit local communities.
Having recently received a share of a $6 million bonus payout from the Fiji Pine Group, Degei, who serves as the representative for Macuata landowners as part of the mataqali Natiko, stressed the financial benefits. The Macuata landowners collectively received $375,427.13 from this payout.
Degei further explained that growing pine trees could enhance the quality of life for community members. The revenue generated could support children’s education, develop community funds, and facilitate infrastructure projects such as water supply systems in local villages. Additionally, Fiji Pine pays its lease payments biannually at a rate of $14 per hectare, providing a steady income for landowners.
This approach is not just about economic gain; it’s also about fostering community development and improving living standards among the iTaukei people. By making more productive use of idle lands, these landowners can contribute to the prosperity of their own communities, thus creating a sustainable future for them and their families.
This initiative illustrates a proactive approach to land management that not only seeks to benefit individual landowners but also strengthens communal ties through collective resource utilization.
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