The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has recently confirmed the ownership of two significant parcels of land in Lomaiviti, designated for traditional clans. This decision, reported earlier this week, involves the land plots known as Nasinu, Lot 53 covering an area of 89 acres, and Nukulekaleka, Lot 51 which spans 39 acres, both allocated to the Mataqali Bete of Tovulailai Village. Additionally, the TLTB has bestowed a 59-acre allotment of land named Draiba, Lot 26, to the village of Draiba and its residents.

TLTB Chairman and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu highlighted the importance of this action, stating that one of the primary responsibilities of TLTB is to manage reservations and allotments of extinguished Mataqali land, in accordance with sections 15 and 19 of the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940. Vasu announced that communications have been sent to the Turaga ni Mataqali of the Mataqali Bete and the Turaga ni Koro of Draiba Village to officially notify them of these changes and provide the documentation to validate the ownership confirmations.

This move is in line with TLTB’s ongoing commitment to the return of land to native landowners, a process that has been gaining momentum, as illustrated in previous reports where TLTB CEO Solomoni Nata stated that 91 percent of Schedule A and B lands have already been returned to their rightful owners. This proactive engagement signals a commitment to addressing historical land ownership disputes and restoring indigenous rights, fostering community empowerment.

TLTB has also been working to resolve other long-standing land issues, reflecting an overarching trend in Fiji to rectify historical grievances surrounding land use. This fosters relationships between landowners, tenants, and governing bodies, promising a more equitable future for all stakeholders.

In summary, the decision by TLTB marks a significant step toward acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs associated with land ownership. It provides hope for traditional clans in Fiji, promising to strengthen communal bonds and enhance the livelihoods of local communities through lawful recognition of their ancestral lands. Such initiatives not only support economic development within the iTaukei community but also underscore the importance of cultural heritage and traditional land management practices.