The people of the district of Vitogo, Ba, had a reason to celebrate last week after more than 3000 acres of land sold to government in 1924 were returned to them.
In a ceremony last week, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka handed over land titles to members of the Nadakuvatu mataqali of Saru Village, the Noi Batiri mataqali of Namoli Village, the Vidilo mataqali of Namoli Village, the Matarasiga mataqali of Vitogo and the Tunuloa mataqali of Vitogo.
Native Grant 187, covers approximately 3177 acres, and was originally acquired in 1924 by the then-colonial government for the Lautoka Water Supply Catchment.
Over time, parts of the land were no longer needed for public use, leading to Cabinet approval in 1999 for its reversion, while retaining essential public areas such as the Tavakubu Cemetery, water infrastructure and forestry land.
Mr Rabuka said the handover was an act of justice and trust, honouring commitments made many years ago and reaffirmed the deep cultural significance of land to the iTaukei people.
He acknowledged the traditional custodians, chiefs, elders and members of the five landowning mataqali — Tunuloa, Matarisiga, Vidilo, Nadakuvatu and Noi Batiri — whose patience and perseverance made this historic day possible.
