Grace Road Food Company Pte Limited has achieved a significant legal victory by obtaining an injunction against the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) concerning a Stop Work Order that previously affected its agricultural operations at the Wainadoi farm. Justice David Tuiqereqere issued the ruling on February 26, emphasizing the importance of ongoing discussions aimed at converting the farm’s lease from agricultural to industrial, a change Grace Road consented to as of February 24, 2025.
However, the situation took a turn on the same day when the iTLTB withdrew its offer for the lease conversion, claiming that the Stop Work Notice would not be lifted. Justice Tuiqereqere expressed apprehension regarding the iTLTB’s actions and encouraged the board to re-evaluate its position, stressing the need for a swift resolution to benefit the landowners involved.
This case highlights a broader pattern of land tenure disputes in the region. For instance, tenants in Toko are preparing to legally challenge an iTLTB directive demanding they relinquish their long-standing 999-year leases for new agreements. These tenants are firmly asserting their lease rights, illustrating the complexities surrounding land management in the area.
Conversations around transparency and equitable land agreements have gained momentum among landowners and tenants alike. The push for fair negotiations and adherence to existing contracts signals a growing recognition of the necessity for equitable solutions, reflecting a collective determination to address these pressing matters.
While land lease challenges continue to pose difficulties in Fiji, the engagement of stakeholders such as Grace Road and the iTLTB, alongside tenant communities, offers a positive outlook for constructive negotiations moving forward. The current discussions indicate a potential pathway towards resolutions that could ultimately benefit all parties involved.
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