Assistant Minister Sakiusa Tubuna has voiced robust backing for the long-awaited reassessment of annuity payments for landowners in Suva and Lautoka. Currently, landowners receive an annual payment of $15,000, which Tubuna deems insufficient, especially for the 1,000 residents of Suvavou Village and its associated clan groups. He highlighted that the last review of these payments occurred in 1998, marking a considerable delay in addressing the financial needs of these landowners.
Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, recognized the challenges in tackling compensation issues during recent meetings with landowners. He pointed out that, despite the significant contributions made by landowners towards the development of Suva and Lautoka, the annuity payments have remained unchanged for over two decades. Vosarogo confirmed that the ongoing review of these payments aims to ensure that compensation more accurately reflects current land values and supports community development.
Moreover, the government plans to include these revised annuity figures in the upcoming 2025-2026 national budget, as noted by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. This review is part of a comprehensive initiative that focuses on enhancing the socio-economic welfare of Indigenous communities across Fiji. Such efforts are in line with other recent actions aimed at rectifying land injustices, including the return of ancestral lands to local clans, as seen in the recent reversion of three specific land areas back to original owners.
These developments signal a promising movement toward improved compensation and heightened respect for Indigenous land rights in Fiji. The government’s commitment to re-evaluating financial compensation and returning land showcases a hopeful trend of addressing historical grievances, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and social and economic justice for Indigenous populations.
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