PRV Company in Malekula is set to roll out its first-ever five-year development plan in March 2026, beginning with a major coconut replanting program at Bushman Bay Plantation.

The company has prepared 9,000 coconut seedlings for the first phase of planting.

In September last year, PRV partnered with the Department of Agriculture to establish a coconut nursery at the company’s plantation in Norsup, Central Malekula.

Officer in Charge of the nursery program, Lui Kelep, told VBTC News that more than 9,000 seedlings have been raised and are now ready for transplanting.

“We started planting in September, and by October we placed the seedlings into plastic bags. We have around 9,000 seedlings, and in March we will begin planting,” he said.

PRV Manager in Malekula said the replanting program is a priority for the company. The long-term goal is to plant over 150,000 coconut trees by 2030.

“Our first step is planting down at Bushman Bay starting next month, where we will plant out 5,000 as our first stage,” he said.

PRV Manager added that the company is seeking more local labourers to assist with replanting and maintaining the coconut plantations.

“We are looking for many more local workers to help with the replanting program and also maintaining the coconuts as they grow,” he said.

In addition to the coconut project, PRV is working with the Malampa Provincial Government to expand Litzlitz Wharf to improve services for the people of Malekula. The company has funded a survey team to assess the wharf, with plans to begin expansion works to support shipping and local development.

PRV also plans further land development, subdivision projects, expansion of hardware shops, and the construction of a new shop at Bushman Bay this year to provide local produce and hardware supplies. The company is also expanding into cacao production.

Despite the scale of its projects, Manager PRV said PRV values working closely with the people of Malekula and remains committed to contributing to the island’s long-term development.