The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has dismissed allegations from the Mataqali Nawavatu youth group in Kalabu, Naitasiri, claiming that the board is withholding a portion of their lease premium payment. This payment concerns land leased to the Government for the development of a 100-bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital, a collaborative project between Fiji and India.

In a statement, TLTB advised the youth group to consult their elders and trustees regarding any concerns about the land leasing process. The board clarified that all funds due to landowners for the hospital project were distributed in November 2024, except for $750,000, which is allocated for investment aimed at enhancing the business development and empowerment of the landowners.

Loata Raibevu, a spokesperson for the Mataqali Nawavatu youth, had expressed her dissatisfaction publicly, stating that the total lease premium of $2.9 million had not been fully distributed. According to Raibevu, during a meeting on November 12 of the previous year, TLTB representatives communicated that the payout would occur in two payments: an initial $1.4 million followed by $1.5 million in December. The second payment has not yet been received, raising concerns among the youth group.

TLTB acknowledged that a portion of the lease money, amounting to $1,319,715.54, was distributed via the Equal Rent Distribution (ERD) system. The board’s intent to retain $750,000 for investments has been met with resistance from some mataqali members, who feel that such a decision was made without their proper consent.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges within land management and the distribution of income generated from iTaukei land, reflecting concerns previously noted about the efficient use and allocation of funds among iTaukei communities. According to TLTB leadership, despite significant lease payments made to landowners totaling over $100 million annually, development within these communities has not shown proportional progress.

An underlying takeaway from this situation is the emphasis on the collaborative relationship between landowners, their representatives, and TLTB. By fostering open communication about financial dealings and future investments, both parties can work towards more effective utilization of the lease premium payments, potentially leading to greater community development and empowerment.

In light of these discussions, a focus on transparency and accountability could pave the way for improvements, ensuring that landowners benefit equitably from the resources derived from their land while also pursuing avenues for innovation and investment that could ultimately uplift their communities.