SAWMILL COURSES TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION AND EFFICIENCY IN FIJI’S FORESTRY SECTOR

Atotal of 13 participants from sawmilling companies in Fiji are now equipped with skills and the know how to convert logs into sawn timber for production needs thanks a recent training offered by the Ministry of Forestry.

The training has been re-introduced by the Ministry’s Training Division, as part of efforts to improve timber production and efficiency within the forestry sector.

Director Training Division, Sailosi Kinivuai emphasised that while the Training Division facilitates all training within the Ministry and its stakeholders, it works hand in hand with the specialised divisions such as the Timber Utilisation Division as it has the skills, facilities and equipment for such training.

The training courses on Basic Sawmilling and Basic Saw Doctoring took place from September 16-27 at the Timber Utilisation Division office.

Director Timber Utilisation Division, Tevita Bulai said the sawmill recovery rates in the country (including both portable and static sawmill) recorded during the financial year ranged from 35 per cent-50 per cent with most sawmills achieving the lower end of the recovery figure.

“The overall aim of the training therefore was to build the capacities of sawmill workers to enhance sawmill recovery rates which will mean less waste, reducing the problems relating to waste disposal and also contributing to sustainable forest management in terms of reduced pressure to cut more trees,” he said.

Forester Sawmill and course facilitator, Eroni Suvia who also happens to be the only qualified saw doctor in the country said the participants were from private sector sawmilling companies.

“After 20 years we are now re-introducing these courses. I was one of those who had participated in similar courses during my time as a trainee saw doctor back in the early 90s and now as a facilitator, I must say that there is a gap in the forestry sector in terms of proper know-how in the field of sawmilling and saw doctoring,” Mr Suvia said. “Knowledge on how to properly convert logs into sawn timber to achieve the required production standards and efficiency needs will be greatly improved and I am happy the Ministry of Forestry has taken steps with the introduction of these two basic courses.”

Mr Suvia added during the first week participants learnt the Basic Sawmilling Course which involves operational process in a sawmill and the second week focused on the Basic Saw Doctoring course which covered saw blades management and machine alignment.

Ministry of Forestry’s Executive director Research and Development, Semi Dranibaka who officiated at the closing of the training on Friday (September 27) and also presented the certificates said the courses would greatly improve and better the standards of timber products that is being produced in order to compete and meet the demands for high quality timber in the global markets.

“With your certificates I am sure you will be adding more value to whatever product you will be producing in your different companies,” Mr Dranibaka said. DEPTFO News