Vanua Levu biggest pine log supplier
VANUA LEVU will remain the biggest pine log supplier over the next six to seven years, says Fiji Pine executive chairman Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure.
The northern island, being the biggest pine log supplier has been prioritised for the construction of three berthing docks to assist Fiji Pine Ltd with transportation issues.
Ratu Rakuita said the construction of berthing docks followed plans to open pine harvesting in Bua and Macuata.
“Vanua Levu is the main supplier of logs for our Drasa mill and is expected to remain so for the next six or seven years,” he said.
“So, opening more sites and preparing jetty for our barge to ferry the logs, will allow us to move quickly to different sites as weather changes in parts of Vanua Levu.
“We are looking to open logging operations in Namuka at the start of the dry season and also establish a landing site or jetty for Dreketi this year.”
Ratu Rakuita was in Macuata this week to visit the new sites and advised the team to increase the company’s estate size in the coastal areas.
“This project will augur well for Fiji Pine in years to come and will also benefit landowners in nearby villagers on transportation for both inland and coastal areas,” he said.
The sites have been identified in Namuka on the northwestern coast, Malau on the north and a location yet to be confirmed on the northeastern side of the province.
Macuata forest station officer, Orisi Vosuga said the docks would be suitable for log barges to berth, andw to cart harvested pine from Macuata to the company’s sawmills in Wairiki, Bua and Drasa in Lautoka.
“The main reason for these docks is to cater for the harvest in our coastal area on the south of Macuata,” he said.
“When we seal the deal, the docks should be the easiest way for log delivery to our two sawmills in Wairiki and Drasa and to minimise our cartage cost.”