THE rent for the 701 acres of land is very low, says TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata.
He told those present at a consultation on the 999-year Toko land lease in Tavua yesterday the rent paid by tenants was not equitable by any means in terms of the current market rent.
“Also, there are a lot of issues on security of tenure,” Mr Nata said.
“What we are proposing is to give everyone new 99-year leases and to surrender the 999-year leases.
“Under those 99 leases for each occupancy, we will also conduct a survey and perhaps survey the land at our cost. Because surveys are an expensive thing.
“So, we’ll take responsibility for that.”
Mr Nata said TLTB would conduct a survey according to the demarcation of the boundaries.
“Then we will process the 99-year leases to each tenant whether for residential or commercial or whatever activity.
“Those using the land for agriculture purposes, we will be using agricultural leases for 50 years as currently provided.
“We will also be charging a premium and we have discussed with the Acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad that the Government will assist.
“And we can make arrangements with the Government and also with each occupant in terms of payment arrangement for the new 99-year leases, and we will ensure that these things are done in a fair and equitable way for you and also for the landowners.
“Like I said before, this is not a new thing, surrender was also done in the past for part of the area, but now we want to facilitate and address all issues in Toko once and for all.
“To give you a more secure direct title from TLTB, 99 years with the registered leases at our cost.
“And with some premium that we can arrange with you and also with the Government in terms of the system that we can provide.”
