Mangakikivillage in West Guadalcanal will be receiving a coconut crushing mill, thanks to European Union (EU).
The funding was made possible through the South Pacific Commission (SPC) to support the community.
Management of Solomon Tropical Products which work closely with Mangakiki village for many years producing coconut oil will officially handover the machine to the community.
Beven Vollrath, operation manager of Tropical Products Ltd (TPL) told the Solomon Star yesterday said the crashing mill will be handed over to the community this Friday.
“Since Tropical Products had long time connection with this village, we’ll give them this crushing coconut milling to encourage the community to produce more virgin oil.
“Tropical Products has worked closely with this community for many years producing coconut oil and therefore, we able to secure them this machine to improve the coconut product in that area,” Mr Vollrath said.
He said that, more plans have been proposed for the community in the long run but, for a start the company has secured them a coconut crushing mill.
He said the community has been producing very good quality coconut oil and the only thing they need isto get a proper coconut crushing mill.
“Therefore we are able to secure this crushing mill for this community which will be under our control, this not the end of our help but just a beginning. More support and help will come later to benefit the entire population in the community particularly,Mangakiki village,” he said.
Meanwhile the Solomon Star understands the permanent secretary of ministry of agriculture and livestock (MALS) Jimmie Saelea will be the guest at the handing over ceremony.
By DENVER NEWTER
