The efforts of Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Ltd in continuing to improve its service delivery and represent what Bouma and Taveuni has to offer to the world was celebrated on Friday last week.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport was on Taveuni to officially handover the newly built office facility that houses boutique, dining lounge, office and rest rooms facilities at Korovou Village and Bouma Village on Taveuni.
Minister for Commerce Faiyaz Koya said the re-opening of the newly built facility was another step further in the cooperative’s business and would be of great benefit and experience to tourists visiting the Bouma Falls.
“This ecotourism venture will provide an additional avenue of income for the people of Bouma Village, here in Taveuni. You are creating employment and generating economic activities on your Island,” he said.
According to MCTTT the total cost of the eco-tourism project was $89,995 to which the government has contributed $59,996.67 (two-third) and the co-operative has contributed $29,998.33 (one-third).
Mr Koya said that was where the grant support through the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme (IHRDP) was important.
“This Public Private Partnership model has enabled the purchase of building materials, back-up generators and construction and upgrade of the facility which includes the boutique, reservation area, dining lounge, office and restroom facilities.
“This is the first project we have supported through IHRDP in Taveuni – but will not be the last.”
Mr Koya acknowledged the youths of the village who used their talents and skills in the construction of the facility.
“I would like to remind the Tavoro Forest Park Co-operative Ltd and community at large, that you need to take full ownership of the business and ensure that it flourishes and grows. We can work together to take it to new heights.”
He shared that through the various MSME programs, the Government has invested approximately $100 million into respective sectors across Fiji from which we have invested $36m into the development of the MSMEs in the Northern Division.
