The Nalolo Council of Chiefs held an important meeting today to explore ways to invigorate local business sectors and strengthen revenue streams essential for the sustainable development of their villages. Chiefs and community representatives focused on tapping into Nalolo’s resources through structured investment strategies designed to benefit the entire community.
Sitiveni Nawaqa, President of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance, underscored the establishment of robust governance frameworks to supervise these initiatives. He specifically mentioned the Vanua Nalolo Investment, which manages community assets through a trust, while the Denalo Cooperative manages commercial activities related to transport and agriculture.
A key element of the discussions was the Memorandum of Understanding signed last December, which ensures that any new business opportunities stemming from developmental projects in Nalolo will first be offered to the landowning units. This strategy aims to make certain that economic gains remain within the Vanua and directly benefit its residents.
Nawaqa emphasized that the revenue generated from these initiatives will be redirected towards funding community projects and educational programs across the six Nalolo villages. These funds are intended for critical infrastructure improvements, such as water supply systems, footpaths, bridges, and early childhood education facilities. “Some kindergarten, some bridges, some footpaths, some water, water source. And in the Vanua Nalolo, most of the places lack water. So this is, this money is for them to fund all that project,” he asserted.
The meeting also brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from Momi Bay Resort, the FNPF, and several government ministries. Their collaborative efforts aim to harmonize traditional leadership with modern business practices, ultimately fostering a vibrant economic landscape in the Vanua.
Through these initiatives, the Council of Chiefs is prioritizing economic growth while also committing to improving the quality of life for Nalolo’s residents, offering a promising outlook for the future of the community.