THE Value-Added Timber Association (VATA), a furniture-making initiative, is currently concentrating on furniture production in collaboration with a Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer Kanae Isozaki.
VATA is a non-profit organization was formed in 2004 as part of a forest management initiative established by the Ministry of Forestry and Research Forest.
Since July 2023, Ms Isozaki has been contributing to the development of the forestry sector in Solomon Islands, particularly in furniture-making with VATA based on her experiences in her home country.
She holds a position with the Forestry Agency in Japan.
The primary objective of the VATA furniture production project is to ensure that all citizens can purchase furniture at affordable prices.
Ms Kanae recognises that the process from ordering to manufacturing furniture and sales has been established to a certain extent since the project began in January 2024.
However, she feels that there are several areas for improvement, such as managing large volumes of overlapping orders, drying wood and effectively utilising wood scraps generated in forests.
General Manager of VATA, Gordon Mwakamwane said much of the furniture sold in Solomon Islands is expensive and not easily available to middle and low-income households.
“Therefore, we utilise high-quality timber that does not meet export standards which is under 6 feet timber, making it possible to create affordable, high-quality and sustainable furniture,” Mr Mwakamwane added.
VATA Technical Advisor Julius Houria stated that VATA is considering the introduction of electronic machinery to enhance the efficiency of furniture manufacturing, as well as to develop human resources in the provinces.
“We hope that furniture craftsmen will receive training not only in Honiara, but also in the provinces, allowing all citizens to enjoy furniture made from Solomon Islands wood in their homes,” Mr Houria said.
VATA is still in its early stages and Solomon Islanders may not have the opportunity to find VATA furniture in the market.
However, the VATA furniture-making platform has been established and the team is working hard to bring them to all citizens in the near future.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo caption: Ms JICA Volunteer Kanae Isozaki (centre) with Vata General Manager Gordon Mwakamwane and VATA Technical Advisor Julius Houria at VATA timber yard.
