The Ministry of Forestry wishes to address claims made in a news article titled "FCOSS Calls for Reimbursement of Funds" published by FBC News on April 17, 2024. While the Ministry acknowledges the importance of the rehabilitation efforts in Cogea Village following Tropical Cyclone Yasa, it is essential to clarify its role and provide context regarding the progress and challenges faced in the Cogea Relocation Project.
The Ministry has played a vital role in the Cogea Project, processing timber for 10 houses using portable sawmills and mahogany logs supplied by the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL). It also partnered with the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) to provide training for chainsaw operators, fostering local capacity for the project.
The Ministry’s efforts were guided by the principle that timber processing must align with construction timelines to prevent wastage, particularly since mahogany timber deteriorates when exposed to weather conditions.
Operational delays have, however, hindered the project’s progress. Financial and logistical issues under FCOSS’s remit, such as delayed contractor payments and a lack of fuel for machinery, disrupted operations. Field reports from October 2023 highlighted that workers, contractors, and equipment owners had not been paid on time, affecting morale and progress on the ground.
The Ministry has consistently advised that construction must begin before further timber processing continues to avoid similar setbacks seen in earlier phases of the project.
Additionally, the lack of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and FCOSS has contributed to miscommunication and ambiguities about roles and responsibilities. The Ministry has acted in good faith and within its capacity to support the community, but the absence of clearly defined agreements has made it difficult to ensure smooth coordination and efficient implementation.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry has successfully processed timber sufficient for 10 houses, yet construction at the relocation site has not commenced. Processed timber has been left idle, risking deterioration. As a result, the Ministry has recommended suspending further milling operations until visible progress in house construction is achieved to ensure that resources are used effectively and sustainably.
The Ministry remains fully committed to the Cogea Relocation Project and is prepared to work with all stakeholders, including FCOSS, to overcome the challenges and ensure that the people of Cogea Village receive the cyclone-resilient homes they deserve. Moving forward, the Ministry emphasises the importance of improved coordination, financial accountability, and alignment of operations to achieve the project’s objectives.