The Saru-Tavakubu Water Catchment, historically a crucial water source for Lautoka City, has a rich history dating back to 1924. Situated approximately five kilometers from the city, the Colonial Government acquired over 3,170 acres for this purpose at a cost reflecting the values of that time, including as little as three shillings per acre. This vast area not only served as a water catchment but also housed the Forestry Experiential Station.
Ratu Wiliame Bouwalu Saumaimuri, a representative from the land-owning units of Namoli, Saru, and Vitogo, recounted the details of this land acquisition, indicating that agreements were made with various mataqali (clan groups), which ultimately led to a significant increase in the land area designated for the catchment to the current size of 3,177 acres. By 1982, with the commissioning of the Vaturu Dam in Nadi, this area shifted from being the main water source for Lautoka to a more secondary role, still providing water to industries in the region.
In 1999, under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s leadership, there was an initial agreement to start returning portions of this land to the original owners after it was deemed no longer necessary for its intended use. Over the decades, however, bureaucracy and other governmental changes led to delays in executing this commitment, with the rightful landowners, including Joeli Sauqaqa, expressing hope and frustration through the long wait.
Fast forward to the present, significant progress has finally been made. On February 18, 2025, the Cabinet approved the return of the land designated as Native Grant 187 to the five landowning units, effectively completing a journey that has spanned over a century. While around seven acres will formally be returned to Nadakuvatu, it was affirmed that the other mataqali will continue to lease their portions of the land through the iTaukei Lands Trust Board, ensuring the protection of both current tenancies and native rights.
Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, encouraged the movement towards sustainable development and expressed optimism for the future as these lands are returned. Landowners have shared their excitement and have highlighted looking ahead at new opportunities for their communities, thus portraying a sense of hope for revitalization and development.
The return of this land aligns with broader efforts within Fiji to rectify historical land injustices and enhances indigenous communities’ control over their resources. The initiatives are reminiscent of similar past restorations, such as the Freehold Buyback Scheme, and signify a collaborative approach to fostering community welfare and sustainable development moving forward.
This development should not only strengthen community ties but also empower indigenous populations to responsibly manage their resources and improve their socio-economic conditions for future generations.
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