VANUA WAILEVU TO PILOT THE NAIYALA GROWTH CENTRE PROJECT PROPOSAL

The Vanua Wailevu convened a Bose Vanua meeting on Friday at Wailotua No. 1 Village, bringing together representatives from five villages and 21 mataqali. The meeting aimed to provide progress updates to CEO Mr. Solomone Nata and to present proposals for the full utilisation of land resources through commercial ventures within the vanua.

The initiative was first presented at the Tikina Meeting but did not receive full endorsement. With the blessing of the Tui Wailevu, the Vanua Wailevu partnered with TLTB to establish a pilot project now known as the Naiyala Growth Centre Project Proposal.

Mata ni Tikina Wailevu and Development Committee representative Mr. Mataiasi Dinavuso provided a historical overview of developments since 2004, including:

• Establishment of the Vanua Wailevu Business Arm (2004)

• Registration of the Tikina Wailevu Cooperative

• Implementation of the Tausala Program, with $10,000 worth of Tausala tubes planted per village (total $50,000)

• Overseas engagement, including a Development Committee visit to Australia to secure agricultural markets, supported by Turaga Tui Wailevu with $25,000 in personal funds

• Identification of Mataqali Taunovo land for commercial agriculture projects

Mr. Dinavuso noted that earlier proposals were constrained by limited government support for essential infrastructure such as packing sheds, container freezers, electricity, and water-storage facilities.

In 2024, TLTB joined the effort, working with Vanua Wailevu and the Ministry of Agriculture to promote commercial land use. Following changes in TLTB’s executive leadership in 2023, the Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF) was introduced to provide capital for landowners wishing to establish their own businesses.

Since then, progress has advanced significantly: (1) Five Bose Ni Yavusa consultations held with 21 mataqali engaged in the Landowner Empowerment process, (2) Thirteen mataqali have completed the process, with projects underway since last year and (3) The remaining eight mataqali will be assisted upon completion of their processes.

Project updates included:

• Implementation progress for 13 mataqali

• Challenges faced (road and market access)

• Assistance required (low-level crossing, road construction, fiberglass/outboard motor)

• Strategic Development Plan for 2025–2029

• Agricultural programs supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, including farm management training and root cropping initiatives

• Estimated budget of $48,500 per mataqali for agricultural projects, totaling significant investment across all 21 mataqali

• Naiyala Growth Centre proposal with concept plans for land development

• Food security initiatives such as rice farming

Mr Nata commended the Vanua Wailevu for their progress since 2004 and emphasized the importance of mindset change for business success. He acknowledged:

• Development updates and progress by the mataqali

• Agricultural production and market engagement

• The Naiyala Growth Centre concept plan, presented for the first time

Mr. Nata stressed the importance of honesty and accountability in financial dealings, clarifying TDFF requirements and assistance provided. He noted that Vanua Wailevu’s initiative could serve as a pilot project for broader development in Fiji.

He concluded by acknowledging the Vanua Wailevu’s vision to prepare future generations and reaffirmed TLTB’s commitment to reviewing applications submitted via TDFF for consideration and approval.