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$30k facility for VCO production for island women

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Salaseini Moceiwai Thursday, November 14, 2013

THE Banaban women of Rabi Island will soon have a well-structured facility to produce virgin coconut oil from, thanks to the Integrated Human Resources Development Program (IHRDP).

A factory for this purpose is being constructed in the area.

Acting commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu said the construction of the government-initiated project started on the island last month.

"The project cost government about $30,000. There are two carpenters who have been tasked to build the factory and the villagers are also helping them out.

"Since virgin coconut oil has become one of the income-generating activities for people on the island, we have decided to assist them with a factory so that women can hygienically prepare their products for sale.

"When they produce quality products, they will be able to get good returns not only locally but internationally as well.

"At least, women don't have to struggle from their own homes to make such oil, instead they can all use the factory."

Banaban Women's Welfare representative Terikano Takesau said they were thankful to government for its help.

"We have secured our markets and we are really happy because we know that our products will be of high quality now that we will have a very well-structured factory," she said.

Mr Bolalevu said the factory was scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

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