The Government has approved 10 native land development projects under the iTaukei Land Development Grant.
Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said in Lautoka yesterday that work on each project had begun.
“Of all of the developments we have approved so far, of a total of 10 that are in the pipeline, eight of them are from the Western Division,” he said.
“In Warabetia, we are doing this subdivision that’s in tune of over $1.5 million with 17 residential lots.”
The minister said to make the project climate-resilient, all overhead electricity cables would be run underground.
“In Saweni, the Patina Property Investments Ltd project is costing us about $2 million and there are about 34 residential lots there,” Mr Saiyed-Khiayum said, adding that projects in Vuda, Yadua and Tailevu have subdivision projects that cost the Government more than $5m.
He said landowners interested in applying for a grant under the initiative must ensure they met all the requirements.
“Please organise yourselves. Get the lease conditions right. Get the approval from the landowning unit and we will then be able to help you.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the project had long-term benefits for every stakeholder.
“Tenants will come and lease the land. They have 99-year residential leases and they will then go to the banks, borrow money and build things.
“When they build their houses, it creates jobs.”
