The Freehold Buy Back Scheme is making a comeback in Fiji after a 32-year hiatus, as announced by Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo. This significant initiative, which aims to restore ancestral lands to iTaukei landowning units (LOUs), has secured Cabinet approval for a proposed allocation of $10 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year to support its implementation.
Originally launched in 1989 and expanded in 1993, the Buy Back Scheme allows eligible LOU members to reclaim lands that were alienated during the colonial era and subsequently sold as freehold property. Previously, this program helped the Fijian Government acquire 24 freehold parcels totaling over 14,700 acres for iTaukei landowners at fair market value using interest-free loans. The Ministry emphasizes the initiative’s broader impact, highlighting it as an act of restoration and recognition of historical injustices faced by the iTaukei community.
Minister Vosarogo expressed the importance of the scheme, stating, “Buy Back Scheme 3.0 reaffirms Government’s commitment to right historical injustices and provide landowning units with the opportunity to regain what was once theirs—land that holds cultural, spiritual, and economic value.” He noted that of the 24 original bought-back properties, nine LOU units have fully repaid their loans, recovering almost $3 million, while others are at different stages of repayment.
Additionally, ten new freehold parcels have been identified for potential acquisition, with expressions of interest from relevant LOU members. The Ministry is optimistic about negotiating 11 further parcels with freehold title holders, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to land reclamation that incorporates participatory land planning.
This revitalized Buy Back Scheme not only aims to mend the historical scars of land alienation but also promises socio-economic empowerment for the iTaukei communities. With a focus on sustainable development and community-driven land use, the scheme could pave the way for greater economic opportunities for beneficiaries, promoting a stronger sense of identity and community well-being in Fiji.
The government’s commitment to indigenous rights and historical restoration is hopeful, indicating a brighter and more equitable future for the iTaukei people as they prepare to reclaim their heritage and enhance their livelihoods.
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