Members of the Mataqali Nasavanivonu from Yavusa Navatu in Nasavusavu, Cakaudrove, are celebrating the successful reclamation of 56 acres of their ancestral land after nearly three decades of dedicated effort. This significant achievement follows 28 years of hard work and sacrifice, during which the community raised funds through the sale of Copra, Dalo, and Yaqona, alongside support from a mataqali member residing abroad. Their collective efforts enabled them to repay the $140,000 debt owed to the government.
Mataqali Head Api Naitini expressed immense relief and joy upon the land’s return, made possible through the Freehold Buyback Land Scheme. He stated, “We are really happy and excited about this initiative. We sincerely acknowledge the coalition government for making this possible and also thank our members for all they have done for us and for the future of our mataqali.”
During the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka remarked that the government had repurchased the land from Alfred Leeper in 1991 for the same amount of $140,000, which the mataqali has now fully repaid without any interest.
Additionally, the Ministry of Fisheries has pinpointed a section of land opposite the village for the establishment of a training center and fisheries research facility, pending final approval from the mataqali. This marks the fourth land return in Vanua Levu under the buyback scheme, adding to the efforts already seen in Tuvumaca, Mua, Waivunia, and Naverea.
The successful return of this ancestral land represents not just a victory for the Mataqali Nasavanivonu but also demonstrates the positive impact of community perseverance and governmental support in restoring indigenous land rights. This initiative not only strengthens cultural identity but also opens opportunities for economic development and sustainable practices through the proposed fisheries facility.
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