The Nalolo Council of Chiefs convened today to discuss enhancing the business sectors within the Vanua and boosting revenue streams vital for the sustainable development of local villages. The chiefs and representatives focused on leveraging Nalolo’s resources through structured investment strategies that would ultimately benefit the entire community.
Sitiveni Nawaqa, President of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance, emphasized that robust governance systems have been established to oversee these initiatives. He highlighted the role of the Vanua Nalolo Investment, which manages assets via a trust, while the Denalo Cooperative handles commercial enterprises related to transport and agriculture.
A significant point of discussion was the Memorandum of Understanding signed last December, which guarantees that any business opportunities arising from developments in Nalolo will be first offered to the landowning units. This approach aims to ensure that economic benefits remain within the Vanua.
Nawaqa pointed out that the revenues generated will be allocated to community projects and educational initiatives across the six Nalolo villages. These funds are intended to support essential infrastructure improvements, including water supply systems, footpaths, bridges, and early childhood educational 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 stated.
The discussions also included various stakeholders such as Momi Bay Resort, the FNPF, and representatives from multiple government ministries. Their collaboration aims to align traditional leadership with contemporary business practices, contributing positively to the economic landscape of the Vanua.
Through these efforts, the Council of Chiefs is not only prioritizing economic development but also committing to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Nalolo, fostering a hopeful outlook for the future of the community.