Island furniture plan takes shape

Lakeba Nexus PTE Ltd is preparing to venture into timber processing and furniture manufacturing by 2027, a strategic move designed to add value to the pine timber harvested on Lakeba island. This expansion is expected to generate new opportunities for the youth in Fiji's Lau province.

Aisake Taito, a board member, outlined that the company's next phase will concentrate on producing furniture such as desks, chairs, and beds from the island's pine resources. This initiative is closely tied to the potential revival of Ratu Kamisese Mara College, which has been closed for approximately 16 years and could reopen as early as September.

The overarching goal is to provide vocational training for young men and women from Lakeba and surrounding islands, many of whom are currently unemployed or not pursuing further education. The college, which previously operated as a technical school, is envisioned to play a significant role in equipping these young individuals with practical skills through hands-on experience at the Wainiyabia pine plantation.

This vision, driven by the Turaga na Tui Nayau, aims to foster employment and business opportunities within Lau. Discussions are also underway with the Ministry of Education regarding the supply of desks and chairs to schools in the maritime region. Producing furniture locally on Lakeba is anticipated to reduce reliance on costly shipments from Suva, thereby lowering distribution expenses given the close proximity of islands within the Lau group.