Opening Address: Launch of the $50 Million Naseyani Project & Commissioning of the new Borehole sites

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Salutation

  • The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF);
  • Lavinia Kaumaitotoya, the Chairperson of Fiji Wai Pte Limited (a subsidiary of UTOF);
  • The Board of Directors and Senior Management of Fiji Wai Pte. Limited;
  • The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources;
  • Government Representatives;
  • Industry partners and stakeholders;
  • Ladies and gentlemen.

Ara Na Yadra and a very good morning to you all.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we gather today – ki Navutoa, vua na Gone Turaga Ratu ni Mali.

We honour their leaders — past, present and emerging.

We also acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua and remain grateful for their custodianship over their lands, waters and resources.

Unit Trust of Fiji

  • It is with immense pride and honor to join you all this morning as we commemorate a significant milestone in the transformative journey of the Unit Trust of Fiji.
  • This occasion marks a truly defining moment for the institution, reflecting our collective commitment to progress and the continued evolution of our financial landscape.
  • Several months ago, in October 2025, we launched a landmark initiative marking a bold leap in our investment capabilities: the $150 million self-funded three commercial building projects.
  • Today, ladies and gentlemen, together we will launch a venture that represents our commitment to sustainable development and rural empowerment: the Naseyani Commercial Water Bottling Plant Project and the formal Commissioning of the new Borehole sites.

Naseyani Commercial Water Bottling Plant Project

  • This ambitious and visionary project, valued at $50 million, represents more than just an industrial expansion, it is a strategic investment in our natural resources and a bold testament to the power of inclusive partnership with our landowning units.
  • Over the next nine months, major developments will commence on site, as we oversee the construction of a state-of-the-art commercial water bottling plant.
  • This facility, which will take its physical form over the next six months, is purposely built to penetrate high-value export markets. By adhering to rigorous ISO standards, we are ensuring that this plant anchors the projects industrial capacity and reinforces Fiji’s global competitiveness in the premium water sector.
  • By integrating premium market requirements with rigorous sustainability standards, the facility elevates Fiji’s standing within the global water industry. Beyond its high-volume capacity, the plant is a cornerstone for quality and safety, ensuring that every stage of the export value chain meets international excellence.
  • The new Naseyani plant, is scheduled for commissioning in January 2027 and will house one of Fiji’s highest capacity bottling lines, capable of producing 36,000 bottles per hour. Government is looking forward to this important initiative as it will be the most advanced facility of its kind in Fiji, it is strategically positioned to scale our export capacity across the global market.

Partnerships with the Vanua

  • Our national development is fundamentally rooted in the strength of partnerships with the Vanua. This project stands as a testament to that cooperation, particularly through our collaboration with the people of Naseyani and the Mataqali Tawa.
  • By aligning our commercial objectives with the aspirations of the landowning units, we ensure that progress is not only sustainable but also deeply inclusive.
  • This partnership ensures that as we scale our global reach, the benefits of our natural resources remain anchored in the prosperity of the community, honoring the traditional custodianship of the land while driving collective economic empowerment.
  • Let today not only mark the launch of this project, but the beginning of a new era of shared prosperity for the people of Naseyani and the nation as a whole.
  • As we break ground on this facility, we are simultaneously building a foundation for our future generations – one where our children can inherit a legacy of opportunities and economic resilience.

Closing Remarks

  • I take this opportunity to commend the outstanding work by the CEO Mr. Vilash Chand and his team for their unwavering dedication and vision in bringing this ambitious project to life.
  • Their commitment to excellence, which has and will continue to be the driving force behind our progress, ensuring that every operational detail aligns with our national vision for a resilient and competitive economy.
  • Through their leadership, we are not only building a world-class facility but also strengthening the trust and confidence that our stakeholders and the Vanua have placed in our shared future.
  • I also acknowledge landowning unit, Mataqali Tawa, Fiji Wai Pte Limited, a subsidiary of the Unit Trust of Fiji; the Board of Directors of Unit Trust of Fiji (Management) Limited; the Trustee Directors of Unit Trust of Fiji (Trustee Company) Limited; and the technical support team, whose collective effort has made this milestone possible.
  • Let us carry this spirit of collaboration into the next phases of implementation, ensuring that we deliver tangible and lasting benefits for our people.
  • It is now my pleasure to officially launch the Unit Trust of Fiji’s self-funded $50 Million Naseyani Water Bottling Plant.
  • Vinaka vakalevu
  • May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji.
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