LANDOWNERS under the committee of better utilisation of land (CBUL) payment program will receive a portion of about $4.3million by the end of the month.
This is after the Government made the payment to iTaukei Land Trust Board in outstanding CBUL rent subsidy funds that were due in December 2023.
Confirming the payment, TLTB explained in a statement, that the rent subsidy would be paid to landowners who agreed to extend agricultural leases including sugar cane leases on land successfully cultivated by tenants.
“This payment will go some way to assisting landowners to meet the costs of preparing their children for the second school term and meet other essential needs of the families,” the statement said.
“Payment will be made to the landowners by the end of this month.
“TLTB expresses its appreciation to Cabinet and the Minister of Agriculture and the CBUL committee for their commitment to the landowners and to reward landowners for their selflessness and generosity in supporting the Government’s programs and initiatives for economic growth and development in Fiji through agreeing to the extension of leases and supporting the livelihood of families who rely on agricultural activities for their sustenance, maintenance, and wellbeing.”
A total of $101,555, 998.29m has been paid out to our iTaukei landowners under the CBUL initiative since 2008.
Meanwhile, the board’s next step is to work towards renewing leases.
“TLTB is geared to consider expired lease renewal 10 years in advance with the corroboration tenants and landowners.”
