STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ASSET CAPITALISATION WORKSHOP FOR TAILEVU NORTH LANDOWNERS
October 30, 2026
TAUKEI PLAZA TOLU TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTH —Tui Nadogo Calls for iTaukei to Unite and Move Forward Together—
October 30, 2026
The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) continues to empower iTaukei landowners through its Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF) by contributing $45,000 which is one-third of the funding required for the purchase of a brand-new $135,000 excavator for the Mataqali Waimaro Cooperative Ltd of Navoka Village, Nabaitavo, Naitasiri.
The investment was made possible under the Government’s One-Third/Two-Thirds Assistance Programme, with support from the Cooperatives Development Fund (CDF). The initiative aims to help the cooperative maximise the use of its land resources, improve productivity, and create sustainable wealth for members of the landowning unit.
The excavator was officially handed over at Nabaitavo, Naitasiri, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica.
GM Landowners Empowerment Mr Peni Qalo who was also at the handover ceremony highlighted that the machine will significantly reduce the cooperative’s dependence on external contractors while opening new income-generating opportunities for the community.
The excavator is expected to support a range of development activities, including – improving farm access; reducing land development costs; building and maintaining access roads; improving drainage systems; and supporting future agricultural and commercial ventures.
Looking ahead, the cooperative is expected to explore opportunities in agro-processing, shared cold-chain storage, collective exporting, and private-sector partnerships, while encouraging greater participation by women, youth and landowning groups in economic development initiatives.
“This investment is more than just machinery. It is about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods and empowering landowners to unlock the full potential of their land through collective action and sustainable development,” Mr Qalo added.
