A piece of land at Vuniika, Labasa identified for expansion of our food security and

commercialisation.

The Fiji Corrections Service is seeking more land in a bid to expand its food security and commercialization activities in the North.

In a recent visit, potential areas were identified by the Commissioner of Corrections Lieutenant Colonel Ifereimi Vasu and sighted by the Director Lands Mosese Tagicakibau in Waitavola, Taveuni and Valebasoga and Vuniika in Labasa.

“We need more land for our food security so that we can sustain ourselves against the increasing prices of vegetables and rootcrops,” said FCS spokeswoman Ana Tamani.

“We want to plant more food instead of buying and it could also be an opportunity for inmates to learn ways in which they can earn a decent living upon their release, through the proper use of land.

“With 80 per cent of inmates being indigenous Fijians, the efficient and effective use of land is a major rehabilitation programme for them,” she said.

As for commercialisation, indications from current enterprise activities show great potential with proper management, planning and resources.

“Our efforts to extend commercial operations to the Vaturekuka and Taveuni Correction centres will be an opportunity for their wider involvement in commercialization of the various resources that abound within their localities.

“It will also help us mobilise and facilitate preparations towards the establishment of the Fiji Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (FCORE), which will be the commercial arm under which all the current enterprises in the Corrections Service will be managed,” Mrs Tamani said.

Ongoing Corrections industries which are mostly based at Naboro include the bakery, piggery, poultry, joinery and tailor shop.

The FCS is now awaiting approval of the use of identified pieces of land by the Director of Lands.

www.corrections.org.fj

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