The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has strongly denied allegations of financial misuse and mismanagement regarding landowning unit funds that surfaced on social media. The claims, made by Fiji-born US citizen Vilisi Nadaku, have been described as false and misleading by Ratu Aca Rayawa, the TLTB Board’s Governance, Audit and Risk Committee chairman. He emphasized that these statements lack credible evidence and are intended to mislead landowners.
Among the accusations made by Mr. Nadaku was the assertion that leases were improperly distributed to the Grace Road group of companies for various developments in areas such as Navua, Nadi, and Yadua in Sigatoka. Mr. Rayawa clarified that as a foreign investor, Grace Road companies are obligated to adhere strictly to Fijian laws. He further explained that leases granted to these companies, including Grace Road Property Development Pte Limited and Grace Road Food Company Limited, have been processed according to TLTB policies.
Mr. Nadaku also claimed that the TLTB’s CEO facilitated a lease issuance to Grace Road in Yadua. However, Mr. Rayawa provided context, stating that the land in question had previously formed part of a development lease belonging to the landowner trust, which later sold the property to Grace Road Trading Limited. He maintained that the landowner trust allowed Grace Road Trading Limited to continue developing the land after the original lease expired.
Mr. Rayawa dismissed allegations suggesting that TLTB obstructed landowner trust projects to favor Grace Road, labeling them as unfounded and defamatory. Regarding the Wainadova land lease issue in Navua, which is under review by the High Court, he reiterated that Mr. Nadaku’s involvement in the lease process was non-existent.
He did acknowledge concerns related to a breach of conditions on the agricultural lease in Navua, noting that a formal breach notice was issued, and penalties were duly paid. A new industrial lease was subsequently executed to ensure compliance with lease conditions for the five-acre portion designated for industrial use.
Mr. Rayawa concluded by reaffirming TLTB’s commitment to protecting the interests of landowners and ensuring adherence to lease obligations while allowing the judicial process to take its course regarding ongoing legal matters. This response aims to uphold transparency and accountability within the TLTB’s operations amidst public scrutiny.
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