The Fijian Cabinet has revived the Freehold Buy Back Scheme, now known as Buy Back Scheme 3.0, aimed at enabling qualifying iTaukei landowning units (LOUs) to reclaim ancestral lands that were lost during the colonial era. This significant initiative, which has been absent for 32 years, comes with a proposed allocation of $10 million in the 2025-2026 National Budget to facilitate its revitalization.
Originally established in 1989 and expanded in 1993, the previous iteration of the scheme successfully enabled the government to acquire 24 freehold parcels, totaling over 14,700 acres, through interest-free loans on behalf of the LOU members. Among these, nine LOU units have completed their loan repayments, recovering nearly $3 million.
The updated Buy Back Scheme 3.0 will ensure that the reclaimed lands remain freehold as per the 2013 Constitution and will incorporate restrictive covenants to prevent future alienation without the consent of the Director of Lands. This new framework is to be developed collaboratively by the Lands and Finance ministries along with the Solicitor General’s office.
Ten new freehold parcels have already been earmarked for the potential buyback, with expressions of interest from several LOUs, and negotiations are underway for an additional eleven parcels. Lands and Mineral Resources Minister Filimoni Vosarogo emphasized that the scheme is not purely about land restitution; it aims to foster a foundation for future prosperity within the community.
The overarching objective of the Buy Back Scheme 3.0 is to promote sustainable development, aiding iTaukei communities in utilizing their land for productive purposes, including housing, agriculture, or commercial ventures. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to addressing historical injustices while empowering the indigenous population economically and socially.
The revival of this scheme is seen as a positive step toward restoring the cultural and economic ties of the iTaukei community to their ancestral lands, ultimately paving the way for enhanced community well-being and opportunities for future generations.
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