Lakeba Pine Scheme established by the late Tui Nayau
May 1, 2004, 16:00

The late former Prime Minister and President of Fiji,
Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara had a
vision of development for his people.

One of the things, this Statesman did for his people
was to establish a Pining Scheme that was to be an
income generating source.

The Lakeba Pine Scheme is situated at Wainiyabia not
far from the village of Tubou and is owned by the late
Tui Nayau.

Lakeba Pine Scheme secretary, Viliame Tuinaceva Gucake
said that the scheme is one of the biggest in Fiji.

"1600 pines had been planted by the people of Lakeba
when the scheme began operating more than thirty years
ago.

"The workers here are from the 8 villages here on the
island," Mr Gucake said.

The 8 villages are Tubou, Levuka, Nasaqalau, Vakano,
Yadrana, Nukunuku, Waitabu and Waciwaci.

Mr Gucake said that the pines are brought to the shed
after logging where they are treated with anti blue
chemicals for two weeks to protect them from fungus.

"After two weeks they are dried for two more weeks and
steamed for two hours where it is then ready for
distribution," he said.

The Scheme provides logged pine to its main customer
at the Tropik Woods in Lautoka and to its own people
on the island.

"We sell timber to anyone on the island who wants to
build their homes for $250 per cubic metre and the
post is sold at $200 per cubic metre," Mr Gucake said.

In terms of Government assistance, Mr Gucake said that
$600,000 is given every year to the Pine Trust Company
in Suva and they in turn buy assets such as tractors,
trucks and machines for logging for them.

Mr Gucake also said that all sales generated are given
to the Provincial Office where the royalty is
distributed to the people.

-End-