Around 20,000 residents in the greater Labasa area may face water shortages by the end of this week due to a landowning clan’s threat to shut down a vital water source. The Nabukarabe clan of Nakama Village has voiced their intention to close the Nasarava water source if their longstanding lease and payment disputes with authorities are not resolved.
The clan highlighted that a valuation exercise conducted by the Water Authority of Fiji on March 5 last year revealed that the water source has been improperly leased for over 70 years. They stated, “To close the water source is not the preferred outcome, but it is a step the clan is prepared to take unless a meaningful response and concrete payment arrangements are received.”
The clan had previously met with officials from the iTaukei Land Trust Board to discuss back payments for land leases dating back to 1951, with the understanding these payments would be distributed within four weeks. However, the clan reported that they have yet to receive any compensation.
In response to the situation, TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata mentioned that they are in the process of finalizing a long-term lease agreement with the Water Authority of Fiji and aim to complete it by the end of this month. Nonetheless, inquiries directed to WAF’s chief executive officer Seru Soderberg and media officer Peni Shute regarding the ongoing issues went unanswered as of the publication deadline.
This situation underscores the importance of resolving land lease agreements to prevent disruption to essential services. The potential for water shortages serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing community resources and upholding landowner rights. It is hoped that productive negotiations will lead to a resolution that addresses the clan’s concerns while safeguarding the water supply for the community.
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