Fiji Hardwood Corporation creates History with first advanced Lease payment to iTLTB.
A history in the making today, 30th Jan 2024, as FHCL paid out its first advanced lease payment to iTLTB for landowners.
The Hon. Minister of iTaukei Affairs, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu, received the payment from the Chairman, General Manager and Board of FHCL.
Over $879K in lease and stumpage fees was handed over to the Minister of iTaukei Affairs.
The Hon. Minister had stated in his speech –
Today’s event is a testament of effective cooperation between the state and resource owners. A relationship that we will be focusing on to strengthen our pursuit for Economic development of resources owners in Fiji.
Hon. Ifereimi Vasu
The General Manager for FHCL stated in his interview –
We hope this will help with back to school preparations for the landowners.
Mr. Semi Dranibaka
Mr Dranibaka further stated that while lease payments were always in arrears in the past, FHCL managed to clear all pending arrears last year and are now making the first six months advance payment with the hope of making a second advance payment by mid year.
This feat has been made possible by good governance & management by FHCL Management over the last three years. Something that was no easy task considering the debt that needed to be cleared and finally have their heads above water.
The future looks bright for FHCL, with advanced payments like this and landowners enjoying the fruits of the mahogany harvested from their land. Onwards and upwards together.