Idle leased land must be used or returned, says Fiji minister
Land that is leased, whether native or crown-owned, but left idle, should be returned to the landowner. Agriculture and Waterways Minister Tomasi Tunabuna stressed that the purpose of a lease is to put land into use; if it’s not being used, it has to go back to the owner. This applies to both iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) land and crown land. The lessee bears the responsibility to ensure the land is utilized as intended, he said, and the institutions that oversee land tenure have an obligation to enforce proper use.
Tunabuna also pointed out that those entrusted with land oversight must ensure land is put to productive use. If tenants are not using the land, they should find someone who will, given that many people are eager for land. He acknowledged that tenants sometimes cite legitimate hurdles such as lack of water, access, drainage, or irrigation. However, he argued these issues should have been identified at the outset before the lease was granted.
The minister urged the overseeing bodies to recognize that problems faced by lessees can sometimes be addressed by others who can take care of the land. His message to non-using lessees was clear: return the land and discuss the situation with the landowner (the Crown, in most cases). He cited examples of absentee farming where land is not fully utilised.
Commentary and value added:
– The stance aligns with broader policy debates in Fiji about idle state land and the need to maximize productive use of leased parcels.
– Recent discussions in Parliament and among land agencies have highlighted efforts to monitor idle leases and, where necessary, revoke unproductive leases to reallocate land to productive uses.
– The focus on early identification of barriers at the application stage suggests a push for more transparent, upfront planning between lessees and landowners to reduce later churn.
Summary: The government is reinforcing that leased land must be actively used or returned to the owner, with landlords and state agencies prepared to take action against idle holdings. This stance aims to improve land use efficiency, reduce speculation, and support broader economic development and food security.
Fijian language summary
Na ivakamacala oqo e balaki kina na lewa ni vanua ni kena lease. Me vakayagataki na vanua kei na sega ni vakayagataki, me lesi ki na vanua ni turaga qunita. E tukuna talega ni dodonu na lewena ni vanua mo raica na leqa ni vei lesi, qai kunea na iwalewale me vakayagataka na vanua oqo kina na gauna ni veivakadonui. E rai tale ga me vakayacori e na vuku ni wainimata, waisoni ni wai, kei na veika e dodonu me vakavinakataki. Na veika kece oqo me da raica na veiqaravi ni vanua me vaka na vakabula dodonu kei na veidudua ni vanua.
Subheading: Na Vosa Vakaviti — Na Lagilagi ena veivakaturaga ni vanua kei na veiqaravi
Additional comments:
– This issue interplays with ongoing reforms around land management, lease monitoring, and potential revocation of unproductive leases. A coherent policy framework that clearly defines timelines, due process, and dispute resolution will help both landowners and tenants navigate these changes.
– Readers may also benefit from periodic updates on any pilot programs or policy adjustments that address idle land and streamline approvals for productive use.
Overall assessment: The article presents a constructive, policy-forward stance that seeks to balance landowner rights with productive use of resources, and it maintains a hopeful tone about improving land utilization across Fiji.
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