The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has announced a robust $28.15 million budget for 2025, marking a 7% increase from the previous year, aimed at empowering iTaukei landowners and promoting sustainable land development. This budget, effective January 1, reflects TLTB’s commitment to prudent financial management and development practices.

Chairman of TLTB and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized that the budget allocation will focus on key areas such as:

– Financial audits, fleet management, and insurance
– Landowner consultations and financial literacy programs
– IT infrastructure upgrades
– Property acquisitions and business ventures, including new commercial developments in Labasa and Central Fiji

In conjunction with the budget, TLTB has also introduced a Strategic Corporate Plan (SCP) covering 2025 to 2029, crafted through stakeholder workshops designed to strengthen community impact and guide organizational direction for the coming years. The SCP particularly emphasizes the need to empower landowners and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective land management, significantly improving their economic prospects.

This comprehensive approach not only highlights TLTB’s commitment to fostering growth and sustainability within the iTaukei community but also aligns with broader national development objectives. It is a promising and proactive initiative that signals a positive move toward enhancing the livelihoods of iTaukei landowners and ensuring a bright economic future for the region.

In summary, TLTB’s strategic initiatives for 2025 represent a significant investment in the empowerment of iTaukei landowners, with a vision of sustainable development that ensures both immediate and long-term benefits for the community.