The National Development Plan public consultation at Raralevu Village has heard from a mataqali that they are still fighting for fair returns for the usage of their land for the past 16 years.
Opetaia Dreketirua told government officials that Vodafone and the previous government about it for the past 16 years, but we’ve been ignored,” Mr Dreketirua said.
“I want to thank the Government for initiating talks between us and Vodafone and we hope to resolve this issue soon.”
Government official Sekove Nakavono acknowledged Mr Dreketirua’s grievance and said it would be given the attention it deserves.
Roko Tui Namata Ratu Paula Halaiwalu asked the government officials if they could have tractors for the farmers to use.
“We have arable land that can be used for planting, but we lack the machinery to plant on a big scale,” he said.
“The Government could also helps us market our agricultural produce overseas.”
Mr Nakavono assured Ratu Paula his request would be looked into.