Assistant Minister Sakiusa Tubuna has expressed strong support for the long-awaited reassessment of annuity payments for landowners in Suva and Lautoka. Currently, the landowners receive an annual payment of $15,000, which Tubuna argues is inadequate, particularly for the 1,000 residents of Suvavou Village and its associated clan groups. He pointed out that the last review of these payments took place back in 1998, indicating a significant lapse in addressing the financial needs of landowners.
Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, acknowledged the difficulties in addressing these compensation issues during meetings with landowners. He emphasized that landowners have contributed substantially to the development of Suva and Lautoka, yet have been receiving the same payments for more than two decades. Vosarogo confirmed that the ongoing review of annuity payments aims to ensure that compensation better reflects current land values and supports community development.
The government intends to incorporate these revised annuity figures into the upcoming 2025-2026 national budget, as highlighted by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. This review is part of a broader initiative focused on enhancing the socio-economic welfare of Indigenous communities in Fiji, echoing other recent efforts to rectify land injustices. For example, there are proactive measures to return ancestral lands to original owners, like the recent reversion of three specific areas of land back to local clans.
These ongoing developments signify a positive shift towards improved compensation and greater respect for Indigenous land rights in Fiji, fostering hope for economic revitalization and sustainable community growth. The government’s commitment to returning land and reassessing financial compensation illustrates an encouraging trend towards addressing historical grievances and supporting Indigenous populations in their pursuit of social and economic justice.
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