The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) will begin using master land use plans to streamline its issues regarding leases and licences, according to the board’s environment officer, Josua Waqanivalu. The approach will replace the current piecemeal system that requires individuals to specify their intended use for a piece of land.
Waqanivalu explained that the new system will classify areas of land according to their designated use prior to the leasing process. For example, when someone expresses interest in leasing land for tourism, the master land use plan will have already defined specific zones for such purposes.
The plan will be integrated into the system, providing a guide for State officers when they issue leases. These changes aim to facilitate a more efficient, systematic issuing process for land leases and licences.