THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Forestry students and resource owners now have the opportunity of learning timber milling practically, using a sawmill.
This follows the availing of a M6-14 Lucas Portable swing blade mill, to the Ministry of Forestry’s Lunga warehouse for practical trainings.
Australian company, Lucas Mill Pty and Farmset Ltd donated portable sawmill in response to a request from the director of the Ministry of Forestry’s utilization division, Julius Houria.
Mr Houria said he sought for the help because of the need to train students at SINU and resource owners.
He said it is important for them to know how to operate and look after the $83,000 worth machine safely.
Farmset’s Lolito Ceredon Jr said the machine provides excellent performance with an affordable price tag.
“It is perfect for builders, cabinet makers or wood-workers and represents a more powerful, smoother, quieter, reliable and fuel efficient alternative to chainsaw powered swing mills.”
SINU school of Natural Resources instructor, Peter Mahoa said the accessibility to the machine will reduce the cost of traveling outside when Forestry students are on practical assignment lessons.
“It is important for my students to learn how to use the machine because it is the end product of planting and maintaining trees – the core subject of the course and what the students will be doing when on the job.
About 40 students are undertaking this year’s certificate in Forestry course at SINU.
Some of the students were present during a demonstration of the machine yesterday at the Lunga area.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
