The Ministry of Lands in Fiji is currently assessing the annuity payments for landowners in Suva occupying state lands, covering an expansive area of approximately 3,000 acres. Minister Filimoni Vosarogo confirmed that the revised annuity figures will be provided in the upcoming national budget announcement.
In a parallel development, Vosarogo also mentioned that the government plans to return lands in Nadala, Ba, back to their original owners this year. The assurance comes as part of a broader effort by the government to rectify past injustices. The Minister indicated that there are ongoing evaluations of other land parcels that had been acquired for public purposes but are no longer being utilized for such.
This commitment echoes recent similar initiatives observed across Fiji, where other ancestral lands are being returned to local communities. For instance, the Coalition Government’s actions have brought hope to landowners from the Vitogo district, who are set to reclaim 3,177 acres in Saru, Lautoka. This land, once essential for the city’s water supply, is expected to provide new development opportunities for the locals.
The return of the land to its rightful owners is not just a fulfillment of legal obligations but also a chance for economic revitalization and sustainable development in the communities involved. It highlights the government’s dedication to respecting indigenous land rights, thus fostering a constructive approach towards community welfare.
Overall, these developments are promising, as they represent efforts to enhance the socio-economic prospects of indigenous communities in Fiji while fostering stronger community ties and sustainable land management practices for future generations.
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