24/07/2012 (Solomon Star)  - The palm oil mini-milling machine for Vangunu palm oil plantation, Marovo, Western province will be sent down to the Island in September.

This was revealed by the minister of agriculture and livestock Connelly Sandakabatu following enquiries by the landowners of the palm oil plantation.

The landowners have called on the ministry to send down the machine because the palm oil fruits are ready for harvesting and are being wasted.

The minister said the machine will be delivered by the delegation from his ministry during a visit to Vangunu in September.

He said currently the delegation is visiting the Malaita province to sort out land issues before the palm oil project in Waisisi and Auluta kicks off.

Mr Sandakabatu pointed out that training will be conducted for the landowners on how to use the machine before it can be delivered to them.

The landowners of Vangunu said with the palm oil plantation there bearing a lot of fruit they are excited to start harvesting, but lack of machine is slowing down work.

Vangunu palm oil project is one of the targets by the ministry this year to ensure it kicks off with production at the end of this year.

An overseas investors had indicated its interest to operate the project.