Despite the disbursement of $100 million in premium lease payments to 5,000 landowning units over the past two years, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has reported minimal development in these communities.
Bese Buinimasi, the TLTB regional manager for the North, clarified that this substantial amount consisted solely of premium payments and did not include lease money. In 2022, the Board allocated over $100 million in lease payments to landowners, with the figure increasing to approximately $120 million the following year. Buinimasi announced that the target for this year is to distribute around $130 million in lease payments.
However, he expressed concern that despite the significant annual financial support, iTaukei communities have little to show for the lease income they receive. “There is less development being undertaken in iTaukei communities,” he stated.
Buinimasi emphasized the need for a change in mindset regarding the spending of lease funds within these communities. He highlighted that iTaukei people are fortunate, as they own a substantial portion of land compared to indigenous populations in other Pacific Island nations, such as Tonga and New Zealand. He noted that iTaukei own 91 percent of the land, while the State owns 4 percent, with freehold property making up the remaining percentage.