THE prayers of a group of Northern Division villagers have been answered with the opening of a cassava factory.
Australian company Balthan (Western) Ltd recently opened a centre in Labasa, providing farmers with financial returns they've described as "manna from heaven".
Although company officials preferred not to comment because their local business partner is away overseas, the farmers have praised the company for its confidence in Labasa despite the slack economic situation there.
Dogoru Village headman Solomone Bogileka said many villagers in Macuata planted cassava last year after receiving news of a State initiative to export cassava to Asian countries, particularly China.
"We started planting and were all looking forward to the day of harvesting, not only our cassava crops but our money as well," Mr Bogileka said.
"As time went by there was no other news, so we just uprooted some and sold it at Labasa Market. But when we heard about this company last month, our men have started selling to them.
"The company has helped us a lot even though we sell a kilogram of cassava at 30 cents. It has helped us feed our families and pay for family expenses."
Seaqaqa farmer Mariko Sokobogi said he was urged by government officials last year to plant cassava for an Asian factory that was planned for the Seaqaqa area.
"When no news came I started selling locally and then I heard about this new factory so I started selling to them and I am getting good money," he said.
At least I don't have to wait days in the market to sell off the cassava - so I am grateful to this company."