Government will not allow any landowner to close a catchment area, says Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka
He said Government had legal leases for all catchments.
“Nobody can do that,” said Mr Ditoka, adding that Government had the option of pursuing legal action if necessary.
“Which we really don’t want to do. If we’re forced to do it then that’s the road we will take.”
He was responding to threats by the landowners of Nasealevu in Macuata, Vanua Levu, that they would close off a water catchment catering to at least 40,000 people in the greater Labasa area, if their concerns were not addressed.
“According to the Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima there was satisfaction all around, but I think we will have to see what their letter contains,” Mr Ditoka said.
It would be necessary to review the letters from the landowners to understand their specific complaints, he said.
“We will see what their complaints are and we will take it from there. I cannot comment much, I am not sure whether the letters have been received by Mr Rainima.
“If he had received it, he would’ve let me know.”
Mr Ditoka said the Government was working closely with the landowners to resolve the issue.
