The iTaukei community in various regions of Fiji is reaping rewards from the Freehold Buyback Scheme, established around 30 years ago, which facilitates the return of lands expropriated during colonial rule. Initiated by the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) government in 1989, this scheme has gained renewed significance in places like Taveuni, Serua, and Naitasiri, where landowners have celebrated the restoration of their ancestral lands.
Filimoni Vosarogo, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, emphasized the importance of the scheme in Parliament this week, outlining its background, objectives, processes, and outcomes.
The Freehold Buyback Scheme was introduced to assist iTaukei landowners, who had limited agricultural land, by purchasing back ancestral land alienated as freehold. The initial Cabinet approval for the buyback process occurred on October 3, 1989, which included several land parcels across Fiji.
In April 1993, the Cabinet allocated $2 million for additional buyback initiatives to secure cultivable land for landless resource owners, resulting in a total of 24 freehold parcels being acquired across various divisions.
Mr. Vosarogo explained that the Land Use Division of the Ministry manages this buyback scheme. Under the initiative, the government purchases freehold land at fair market prices determined by government-registered valuers, facilitating the process through interest-free loans. The sales and purchase agreements are structured for repayment over 30 years, with ownership transferred to trustees upon completion of payments.
He noted that the 2013 Constitution stipulates that all land that was freehold before the Constitution’s enactment remains so unless sold to the State. Consequently, bought-back lands are reverted to qualified landowning units as freehold land, rather than iTaukei Reserve Land.
So far, nine landowning units have fully settled their obligations, returning $1.7 million to the State. Seven units have completed their payments and have had their lands transferred back to them. Additionally, two units have paid off their land parcels, awaiting transfer.
The ministry is actively monitoring the remaining 15 landowning units, which still hold outstanding debts totaling over $2 million. To improve loan repayments, the ministry is offering advice and assistance to landowning units and has developed initiatives to fast-track repayment processes.
Despite a success rate of 37.5%, the buyback scheme has significantly benefited traditional landowners by fostering a sense of belonging, ownership, and empowerment. The ministry continues to advocate for equitable land access for all, particularly targeting vulnerable members of the iTaukei community.
Mr. Vosarogo encouraged beneficiaries to utilize their regained lands effectively to maximize productivity and generate sustainable income for future generations.