An alarming situation has arisen for Monasavu landowners, with one landowner reporting that they have received a mere total of $1,000 over the past 24 years since the Monasavu Dam was established, equating to annual compensation as low as $44. This sum stands in stark contrast to a court-ordered compensation total of $52.8 million dedicated to the landowners within the Monasavu Dam catchment area.
Aisea Burelevu Naqa, a member of the Vatuba tribe and a landowner, has expressed his outrage regarding what he perceives as an unfair arrangement. He claims that their lawyer, Isireli Fa, has been misleading them, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars in rightful compensation. Naqa emphasized that the system in place has spawned numerous questions among the seven clans and 12 tribes of landowners, which he feels remain largely unanswered.
According to Naqa, every six months, a total of $460,000 is allocated to the mataqali (clan groups), with 40 percent—approximately $104,000—seemingly vanishing into development deductions that they cannot trace. This has exacerbated frustrations, as landowners report receiving only a fraction of the original sum. After the deduction of fees, individuals are left with a paltry cheque amounting to $22, significantly inadequate for meeting daily needs or purchases.
In correspondence regarding these concerns, Isireli Fa declined to engage in an interview for clarification, suggesting that all necessary information is already available to the landowners. He reiterated his belief that the matter of compensation has been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, despite the prevailing dissatisfaction among the landowners.
The ongoing disputes underscore critical issues of transparency and fairness in the management of compensation funds related to the Monasavu Dam. The situation echoes broader concerns within the Fiji landowning communities that continue to advocate for fair compensation and accountability, with mounting calls for a clearer framework regarding financial distributions to ensure the rights and dignity of indigenous landowners are upheld.
As discussions rise around land compensation and the effective management of resources, it showcases a growing awareness of Indigenous rights and the need for equitable treatment in economic development. Hope remains that continued advocacy will lead to a fairer resolution for landowners and constructive dialogue moving forward.
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