Landowners in Namosi, who oppose mining activity on their territory, have voiced strong criticism of Filimoni Vosarogo, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, accusing him of acting unprofessionally. This rebuttal follows Vosarogo’s remarks questioning the role of Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) chairman, Sipiriano Nariva, within the iTaukei administrative framework.
According to a statement from LAMA, Vosarogo’s comments indicate a disconnect from the community. They argue that he appears to favor Tui Namosi in fast-tracking developments without considering the consent of the local landowners. LAMA emphasized that neither Vosarogo nor Tui Namosi are legitimate landowners in the areas being targeted for mining. Instead, Nariva has been entrusted to speak on behalf of the landowners, who are represented by LAMA.
LAMA urged Vosarogo to engage with all landowners rather than just a select few, emphasizing that he has yet to visit Namosi to truly understand the community’s sentiments. They stated that while Vosarogo leans on his association with Tui Namosi for insights, he lacks direct communication with those most affected by the proposed developments. Furthermore, LAMA pointed out that Nariva is a trustee for Mataqali Nabukebuke, a group Vosarogo claims to be familiar with, underscoring the importance of inclusive discussions.
In response to the criticisms, Vosarogo indicated he would address the concerns during an upcoming meeting with Mataqali Nabukebuke, scheduled for mid-2025.
This ongoing dialogue between landowners and government officials highlights a critical moment in the mining sector, illustrating the tension between development interests and community rights. With open communication and respectful dialogue, there’s hope that a resolution can be reached that honors the landowners’ wishes and preserves the integrity of their lands, setting a precedent for future development projects that prioritize community consent and involvement.
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