THE Ba Provincial Council contributed 10 per cent of its total land lease earnings to the Government as part of its commitment towards developing iTaukei communities.
During a talanoa session with Vuda landowners at Viseisei outside Lautoka this week, iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu thanked the council and the Vanua o Vuda for its willingness to agree to contributing a portion of their lease earnings.
“The ministry had requested the Bose Levu Vakaturaga for a portion of their lease money distributed to landowners, a certain percentage of it, to be kept for the development of our iTaukei community,” Mr Vasu said. “On behalf of our people and for those that are yet to come, I thank you for your generosity and for agreeing to our request.”
Mr Vasu said development works from the proceeds began last year.
Ba Provincial Council chairman Ratu Meli Tora Tavaiqia said the council received the request at the first meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs on Bau in 2023.
“I told them Ba would agree in principle and we had to take it back to the Bose ni Yasana o Ba.
“It was received unanimously by the chiefs. It came down to us looking out for our people and strengthening our relationships.”
Ratu Meli added the province had committed a large amount to the work.
“If you had to compare that 10 per cent per province, Ba would be giving quite a lot. It would go into the millions.”
