Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Inosi Kuridrani, has urged the establishment of specialized lease agreements for water catchment zones, emphasizing the vital role of water resources in sustaining both local communities and the broader national economy. His remarks came during a review of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) 2019–2022 Annual Reports by the Natural Resource Committee, where he commended WAF staff and management for their unwavering dedication despite facing resource limitations.
Kuridrani expressed concern that existing lease arrangements do not adequately reflect the value of water resources or acknowledge the significant contributions of landowners who have committed their land to catchment purposes over many years. He drew attention to the significant disparity between current agreements for water catchment and those applicable to the hotel industry, where landowners receive a 4 percent share of gross turnover. He suggested a similar revenue-sharing model could be introduced for water catchment leases to ensure fair compensation for landowners.
Moreover, the minister highlighted ongoing issues reported by WAF employees regarding interruptions and disputes from landowners who are dissatisfied with the current lease terms. He proposed that a revised leasing model, integrating a revenue-sharing approach from water infrastructure projects, could offer landowners equitable returns while securing long-term access to essential water resources.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance community interests with economic development, reinforcing the notion that water is not just a resource but a vital component of national sustainability. The proposed changes could pave the way for enhanced cooperation between landowners and water authorities, benefiting both parties and promoting responsible water management in Fiji.
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