The government has firmly rejected claims from landowners of Mataqali Luvutu in Macuata, who assert that there is no valid lease for the Nasealevu water catchment located in Labasa. In their complaints, the landowners expressed concern over the absence of clear documentation related to the lease, particularly questioning why payments ceased in June of the previous year, and have sought government intervention for clarity.
However, the Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, affirmed that the government has maintained a 99-year lease over the 1,950-acre catchment area since 1973. The annual payments for this lease range from $75,000 to $79,000, with reassessments occurring every five years. Vosarogo mentioned that a copy of the lease was recently shared with the Turaga ni Koro of Nasealevu and confirmed that if landowners have issues regarding the lease’s terms, they should raise these concerns with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), which is responsible for leasing land on behalf of the landowners to the government for general use.
Interestingly, Marisilino Tawake, the last surviving landowner involved in the original negotiations in 1973, disputes the existence of any legal documentation related to the lease agreement, recalling that it was based solely on verbal agreements made by the elders within the community, who acted out of goodwill to support the government initiative.
Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, stated he would review the details of the lease and the concerns raised by the landowners. This highlights a government willingness to assess grievances and foster a collaborative environment. This ongoing dialogue mirrors previous instances where government representatives have engaged with landowners to clarify misconceptions regarding water catchment areas and address community concerns about infrastructure improvements.
The government’s proactive approach may signal a hopeful direction towards fostering better relations with the local communities, potentially leading to improvements in living conditions through collaborative governance and mutual understanding. By prioritizing communication and engagement with the landowners, there is optimism for a resolution that not only addresses the immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for sustainable water and infrastructure development benefitting the residents of Labasa.
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