Forestry Plans for Kadavu Pine Owners Payout
Plans are set for a stumpage rate where pine resource owners in Kadavu can expect a payout. This follows an announcement by the Minister for Forestry, Osea Naiqamu, that the initiative will be undertaken by his Ministry and the Fiji Pine Trust.
The payout will benefit 868 families on the island whose homes were destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Harold early last month. Mr Naiqamu made the announcement while touring Kadavu with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama as part of the Ministry’s Rehabilitation Response to TC Harold and COVID-19.
He said the ministry’s strategy was to salvage as much damaged pine trees as possible to convert into pine timber, posts and poles.
“Government aims to achieve these with the nine portable sawmills currently in operation in Kadavu right now,” Mr Naiqamu said.
He also highlighted that the Government Timber Treatment Plants needs trained and certified chainsaw operators.
Government will also start its “Cash for Work or Cash for Tree Planting Programme” which will help those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.