The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is urging a comprehensive review of crucial land laws, asserting that outdated regulations are hindering the financial returns for iTaukei landowners. During the presentation of its 2023 Annual Report to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, TLTB CEO Solomone Nata emphasized the necessity of re-examining the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA), which mandates that tenant rent is fixed at a mere six percent of unimproved land value, irrespective of current market conditions.
This approach sharply contrasts with leases governed by the iTaukei Land Trust Act, where rent is determined based on prevailing market value, creating a disparity that significantly affects iTaukei landowners. Nata highlighted that the majority of agricultural leases managed by TLTB fall under ALTA, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue.
Furthermore, Nata indicated that TLTB has made several submissions regarding various laws currently under review. The progression of these legislative changes now relies heavily on the actions of Government and Parliament. He remarked, “We work with probably 22 other legislations and those legislations, all of them need to be perhaps renewed in terms of timeline.”
The CEO pointed out that many legislative clauses concerning land and the operations of TLTB necessitate a review of other legal frameworks, which could help streamline processes and enhance benefits for landowners. This call for action reflects a broader intention to modernize land laws, potentially leading to significant improvements for the economic situation of iTaukei communities.
Leave a comment