Landowners in Namosi have expressed their strong opposition to mining activities on their property, criticizing Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo for what they label as unprofessional conduct. The backlash comes after Vosarogo questioned the role of LAMA chairman Sipiriano Nariva within the iTaukei administration framework.
The Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) organization accused Vosarogo of failing to engage with the local community and instead siding with Tui Namosi to push forward mining developments without proper consent from the landowners. They emphasized that neither Vosarogo nor Tui Namosi holds ownership of the land designated for potential mining and that Nariva represents the landowners’ interests.
LAMA’s statement urged the minister to consider the views of all landowners, not just a select few, and pointed out that Vosarogo has not visited Namosi to genuinely understand the sentiments of the people he represents. They reiterated that LAMA had opposed the renewal of the mining license, not the Nabukebuke group, and called upon Vosarogo to engage with all stakeholders involved rather than meet with only one representative.
In response, Vosarogo stated that he plans to address the matter in an upcoming meeting with Mataqali Nabukebuke scheduled for mid-2025.
This situation reflects a broader challenge faced by governments around the world regarding the need for consulting local communities in mining and development projects. Engaging with all stakeholders is essential for fostering trust and ensuring that development projects meet the needs and concerns of the affected communities.
In light of these discussions, there is hope that an open dialogue will lead to a constructive resolution where the voices of the local landowners are heard, fostering a potential partnership that respects both the land and the people who inhabit it.
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