The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development recently handed over a Caterpillar 313CG Hydraulic Excavator to the Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited (FTACTL), strengthening the Co-operative’s capacity to deliver essential housing, agricultural and forestry projects for teachers and surrounding communities.
The excavator was procured under the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme (IHRDP) through a cost-sharing arrangement valued at $233,805. As part of the partnership, Government contributed $150,000, while FTACTL provided $83,805.
Speaking at the handover, the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, highlighted that the initiative aligns with Government’s policy to empower MSMEs and Co-operatives as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“This project demonstrates how targeted Government support can strengthen local enterprises, reduce costs and accelerate community development,” Hon. Immanuel said. “By equipping a teachers’ co-operative and diversified development enterprise like FTACTL, we are advancing infrastructure delivery, supporting new jobs and improving livelihoods.”
FTACTL, established in 2018, operates both as a teachers’ co-operative and a multi-sector enterprise with FJ$29.76 million in assets, including teachers’ villages, farming developments, forestry sites and commercial properties. The excavator will be used across a range of projects, such as land preparation, drainage works, agricultural expansion and sustainable timber operations, to improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery.
The investment is expected to save the Co-operative more than FJ$500,000 annually by reducing reliance on private contractors, while also supporting 72 livelihoods through job creation, training and expanded economic activity. FTACTL also plans to make the equipment available for hire to neighbouring communities, extending the benefits beyond its membership.
Chairman Iosefo Volau said the excavator will help advance key development priorities and reinforce the Co-operative’s long-term sustainability.
“This support enables us to move faster and more cost-effectively on projects that matter to teachers and the communities we serve,” Mr. Volau said. “It strengthens our capacity in housing, farming and forestry, while opening new income opportunities that further improve our financial position.”
The initiative supports Fiji’s commitments to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by expanding enterprise capability, improving infrastructure and enhancing community resilience.