The Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu has reassured villagers of Matacula and Sawakasa in Tailevu that government is not going to take their land from them.
Naiqamu made these assurance while addressing villagers who were mahogany landowners and were worried about issues regarding their leases.
He told landowners that there were avenues and government agencies to help them with their queries or problems that arose.
Meanwhile, the Minister also continues with the 4 million trees in 4 years initiative consultation which started early last month in the Western Division.
During his tour Naiqamu he also encouraged the men and women of Wainibuka to plant sandalwood on their vacant land because it is one of the best investment for their children and grandchildren.
When questioned by villagers if the Ministry of Forestry can provide training on sandalwood planting, the Minister says they have officers who can conduct training on sandalwood planting if villages make arrangements.
Naiqamu reminded the villages of Wainibuka that government will not lease their land because the sandalwood they plant belongs to them.
Naiqamu has also visited villages in Naitasiri and Tailevu where the Ministry of Forestry officials planted 100 seedlings in each village they visit with 50 indigenous trees and 50 fruit trees.
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