The iTaukei community in various regions of Fiji is reaping the rewards of the Freehold Buyback Scheme, which was established nearly 30 years ago to return land expropriated during colonial times. This initiative was launched by the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) government in 1989.
Recently, landowners from Taveuni, Serua, and Naitasiri celebrated the return of their ancestral land. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, emphasized the importance of this scheme during a parliamentary session, elaborating on its background, objectives, and workings.
The Freehold Buyback Scheme was initiated by the Sitiveni Rabuka-led SVT Government in 1989 to repurchase ancestral land that had been alienated as freehold land, providing support to iTaukei landowners who had limited agricultural land. This initiative aimed to assist landowners registered under the Register of Native Lands in accommodating the increasing population of the Mataqali, or Land Owning Units (LOU).
The Cabinet approved the first parcels of freehold land for buyback on October 3, 1989, which included locations such as Punia Island in Vanuabalavu and Welagi on Taveuni. In 1993, the Cabinet designated an additional $2 million to support further freehold buyback efforts, helping purchase 24 parcels of land to benefit landless resource owners.
Currently, out of these 24 parcels, nine land-owning units have fully repaid their dues, returning $1.7 million to the State. Seven of these units have successfully completed payments, resulting in the transfer of their land parcels.
Filimoni Vosarogo stated that the Ministry’s Land Use Division oversees the administration of the buyback scheme. The Government acquires freehold land for purchase by iTaukei landowners at fair market prices, facilitated by interest-free loans as per the Sales and Purchase Agreement. Following the completion of payments, the land is transferred to the trustees, ensuring that it cannot be sold or transferred except back to the State.
Under the 2013 Constitution, all land that existed as freehold land before the Constitution’s enactment remains freehold, even if sold, unless sold to the State for public benefit. This provision means that land acquired under the buyback scheme is returned to the landowning units as freehold land rather than as iTaukei Reserve Land.
The Ministry is actively monitoring 15 land-owning units that have made partial payments with an outstanding balance of just over $2 million. To enhance the repayment process, the Ministry is collaborating closely with landowning units and has introduced measures such as advisory services, joint venture initiatives, and leasing arrangements for those with unserviced accounts.
Despite a success rate of 37.5% with nine out of the 24 schemes fully paid, the buyback program has significantly positively impacted traditional landowners, instilling a sense of belonging, pride, and empowerment.
Mr. Vosarogo encouraged those benefiting from the scheme to utilize their land effectively for productive purposes, to enhance their returns and support future generations.