The iTaukei Lands Trust Board (TLTB) has made significant progress by approving 2,834 new leases, covering a substantial area of 14,929 hectares. This initiative is set to generate an annual rent of $1.95 million alongside lease premiums amounting to $49.08 million. iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu informed Parliament that there has been a notable reduction in lease arrears, decreasing by 30 percent.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC) successfully surveyed 16 land parcels in the Serua, Ba, and Kadavu areas while mapping out 129 villages across Kadavu, Rewa, and Southern Lau. Vasu reported that the TLFC completed 38 confirmations of iTaukei land ownership issued by the Register of Native Land (RNL) and initiated mahogany lease surveys in Vanua Levu.
The TLTB aims to achieve 2,500 new lease approvals and generate a remarkable revenue target of $171.94 million, with a goal of further reducing arrears by 60 percent. A budget of $6.9 million has been allocated for rental subsidies through the Committee on Better Utilisation of Land (CBUL), and an additional $3 million from the iTaukei Resource Owners Support and Development Fund will assist over 60 business projects through interest subsidies and technical support via a new Project Management Unit.
Furthermore, a $510,000 investment will be directed towards a mahogany plantation survey in the Northern Division, with cultural revitalization efforts being supported by a $45,000 allocation for training programs and resources, including the Traditional Knowledge Database and the Volavosa Dictionary Review. The TLFC’s work in confirming 1,438 chiefly titles has also surpassed its records preservation and digitization targets.
These initiatives reflect a proactive approach to enhancing land management and economic opportunities for the iTaukei community. The ongoing support and investments indicate a promising future for iTaukei landowners, with transformative potential for business development and cultural preservation on the horizon. As TLTB and TLFC continue their efforts, the focus on sustainable practices and community engagement can foster positive change in the iTaukei population.
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