Customary landowners in Namosi have issued a strong warning of their intention to take control of the Waisoi Base Camp unless overdue compensation payments are promptly released. Tensions have risen between the Namosi Joint Venture and the local landowners regarding land use rights, particularly concerning compensation related to land utilization.
During a recent meeting held in Namosi Village, the Mataqali Nabukebuke Trust expressed significant concerns regarding the unresolved land issues. Members of the mataqali convened with Netava Bakaniceva, the general manager of the Namosi Joint Venture, and Dr. Apete Soro, Director of the Mineral Resources Department, to voice their frustrations and demands.
As part of their grievances, the customary landowners have called for the Namosi Joint Venture’s eviction from the Waisoi Base Camp, especially following the expiration of Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1420. Petero Saunivalu, a spokesman for Mataqali Nabukebuke and director of Nabukebuke Holdings, highlighted that the joint venture has withheld compensation payments owed to the mataqali since last year.
The landowners are insisting on the release of frozen compensation amounting to $75,000. Saunivalu emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to disburse these funds could lead to a takeover of the base camp by the landowners, asserting their rights over the land. “If they do not release the compensation, we will move into Waisoi Base Camp and take over the place as it is our land,” Saunivalu stated.
The anticipated release of the $75,000 in frozen compensation was supposed to occur today. As the situation develops, the outcome will significantly impact the relationship between the Namosi Joint Venture and the local mataqali, highlighting the ongoing issues of land rights and compensation that many indigenous communities face. This scenario serves as a critical reminder of the need for open dialogue and resolution in land disputes to prevent escalations that could impact both community welfare and business operations.
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