Government has moved to settle the issue of a land lease that was issued for 999 years to a tenant in Toko, Tavua, in 1907.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had assured the people of mataqali Tilivasewa and Navusabalavu last year that Government would look into claims their land had been leased for 999 years, one of the longest leases in Fiji’s history.
Now the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) states in a public notice, it is exercising its powers in surrendering the said lease on an area of 701 acres and owned by the Mataqali Navusabalavu and Tilivasewa, which was initially leased to Eva Annie Easton and Harold James Thomas by the then Commissioner of Lands following an Order-in-Council.
“The lessees partially surrendered two lots from the lease (5acres 24perches) on 31 July 1937 and subdivided the balance area between 29 August 1941 to 27 October 1944 (26 subleases). Upon their demise, the head-lease was transferred to the Board on 12 May 1970,” said TLTB.
“Therefore, in exercise of its powers as the Head Lessee, the Board will be surrendering the said Toko Lease and facilitating the issuance of new leases to those tenants and occupants.”
“This decision ensures that the leases to be issued after the surrender fully comply with all the provisions under the act and all its regulations.”
“Notice is hereby given to all tenants and occupants within the Toko Lease that a declaration of any sublease, tenancy, or interest you may have in and on land or lands within the Toko Lease, must be registered with TLTB within thirty (30) says from the date of first publishing of this Notice.”
TLTB adds all declarations of sublease, tenancy, or interest must be accompanied by documentary evidence duly attested and any declarations that are found to be false will be subject to legal action.
“Upon expiry of this 30 days Notice, TLTB shall begin the surrender process of the Toko Lease.”
“Only valid legal tenants and occupants who have provided relevant documentary evidence confirming their tenancies shall be issued with formal leases thereafter.”
