Northland Farmers’ Co-operative Limited achieved a gross annual income of just over one million dollars in the last financial years, its chairman, Hirday Lakhan said.
The co-operative’s shareholders share was $55,000 in 2015 and to date the shareholders have a calculated value of $151,000 in shares, he added.
Mr Lakhan made the comments as the co-operative opened their first containers Pacific Energy Fuel station in Korovou, Tailevu, yesterday.
“Through this fuel station, we will not only be able to serve our shareholders but the general vehicle and outboard and small engine owners in the whole of Northland Tailevu,” he said.
The station will run as a temporary set up and Mr Lakhan hopes that through collaboration work with their partner, Pacific Energy SWP Limited, they will build a permanent state-of-the-art fuel station in the future.
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali, said the station’s strategic location provided convenient service to the approximately 30,000 people of Korovou and surrounding areas and the motoring public passing through the town.
Leader of Namalata District in Tailevu, Ratu Isaia Tuiraki Waimaro welcomed the development, saying it will greatly benefit the people of Tailevu.
“There are two service stations situated in Korovou town but are closed.
With this service station, our people are able to fuel and travel without having to go right to Nausori, and right beside this service station is this shopping center,” Ratu Isaia said.
“People as far as Moturiki are being served here.
This is one of the visible developments that has greatly benefited the people and no doubt will continue to benefit the people, so we are really thankful for the vision to have this here.”
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali, inspects the new fuel station in Korovou. Photo: Ivamere Nataro
Milestone Achievement
Pacific Energy retail manager, Amit Maharaj said: “This is a milestone achievement for Pacific Energy as we are the first company in Fiji to introduce containerised Service Station in our country.
“These units are fully certified and meet all international standards.
These units also underwent tests and were certified by the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards here in Fiji.
He said Pacific Energy had invested over $50 million in Fiji in the last nine years.
The Northland Co-operative so far:
- Have five full time workers, and increasing to eight soon
- Are spread over three business operation sites – warehouse, town shop and new fuel station
- Own delivery truck
- Trade in fertilisers, farm chemicals, tools, farm hardware and sell food, eggs, e-ticket cooking gas and many more farmer and farm need items
- Open for membership to any farmer
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali, inspects the new fuel station in Korovou. Photo: Ivamere Nataro
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