Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has requested an investigation into the activities of the Saunaka Land Purchase Cooperative Society Ltd. During a speech in Parliament on Monday, Turaga pointed out that the cooperative, situated on the outskirts of Nadi Town, is facing unresolved issues with the Nadi Town Council and other involved parties.
Turaga noted that the cooperative was founded in 1970 with an initial membership of 15, which grew to 30 between 2009 and 2010. He explained that in 2018, instead of completing a full subdivision, a piecemeal subdivision was undertaken, leading to titles being issued during the land depository period. Consequently, many members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries have declined to pay their town rates.
The minister stated that the cooperative has made repeated attempts to communicate with the Nadi Town Council through multiple emails, but has not received any replies. He mentioned that out of a total of 56 acres, members have purchased 14 acres, with the remainder designated for access roads. However, he highlighted that 18.5 acres of land belonging to members has reportedly been misappropriated by the previous board of the Saunaka Land Cooperatives, marked as balance spent.
Turaga urged the Nadi Town Council to address the issues faced by the Saunaka Land Purchase Cooperative Ltd to facilitate proper development and enable the council to recover outstanding rates. He also called on the relevant minister to investigate the cooperative’s operations and the actions of its former board, allowing current members to progress with their allocated lots for the betterment of Nadi Town.