Pine landowners in Bua on Vanua Levu claim acacia trees introduced by Fiji Pine Ltd a few years ago has thrived and become a pest, affecting farms and livestock.
They claimed the trees were brought in for a renewable energy project which never eventuated.
Jim Vola, a landowner, said the trees grew wildly and were “out of control”.
“These trees have grown among our crops in the farms and get in the way of our animals so we are hoping that something is done,” he said.
“It’s uncontrollable and a real issue because the trees take up huge land space.”
In response, an officer from the Ministry of Forestry said the trees were brought in as part of a renewable energy initiative and was to be used with tulip trees and other plants.
He said the project did not eventuate and if the trees were to be removed, it needed to be done in a sustainable manner and in a way that could generate an income.
Questions sent to Fiji Pine Ltd CEO Vimlesh Kumar over the past two weeks remained unanswered.
However, a Fiji Pine Ltd employee informed landowners during a talanoa session with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last month that they had discussed ways to destroy the trees.
