Three freehold titles have been officially transferred to landowners including Tuvumaca, Weilagi/Yavusa Wairuku, Waivunia, Mataqali Bitolevu (Serua), and Yavusa Vugalei of Kasavu Village in Naitasiri. The latest recipients, Yavusa Vugalei, acquired 74 acres of land in Waidra for $148,000 and received their title on September 27, presented by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, during a ceremony in Waidra.
Minister Vosarogo encouraged the Yavusa Vugalei to take advantage of various government initiatives as outlined in the 2024-2025 budget. He highlighted 15 programs available through different ministries that could aid in land development, including support for land clearing, drainage, land preparation, and crop cultivation. Vosarogo stressed the importance of utilizing land responsibly and sustainably, urging the landowners to explore the opportunities offered by the Coalition Government.
He emphasized the value of persistence in seeking assistance from the government, stating that dedication will lead to positive outcomes. Naitasiri High Chief, Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, echoed these sentiments but also urged male members of the Yavusa to recognize the burdens faced by women in providing for their families. He called for a reduction in yaqona consumption and encouraged the community to think about how to best use the land now returned to them for the benefit of future generations.
Ratu Inoke also invited Minister Vosarogo to return to Waidra next year to observe the progress made by Yavusa Vugalei on their newly acquired land. The Buy-Back Scheme has successfully returned a total of 2,465 acres to traditional landowners, benefiting four landowning units over the past 30 years. Notably, four of these units have settled their dues, amounting to $806,770.80, representing 18.3 percent of the total amount recovered.