ABOUT 300 of the 951 expired land leases will be returned to land owning units between the district of Nailaga and the district of Tavua.
The return of the native land is part of the iTaukei Lands Trust Board’s proactive approach to prepare landowners and tenants for the expiring leases.
According to TLTB, to date 765 of the 951 leases have undergone consultation and inspection processes with the support and participation of the landowning units (LOUs).
TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata said of the 765 leases, 413 have been endorsed by LOUs for renewal while 311 would be reverted to the landowners when they expire.
He said this demonstrated the board’s respect for the vanua.
“Our primary responsibility is to protect the interests of our landowners while upholding the principles of transparency and fairness in lease administration,” said Mr Nata.
“Through extensive consultations and inspections, TLTB is ensuring that landowners are fully informed, involved, and empowered to make decisions about the future use of their land.”
According to the Board, 32 of the 413 leases have been successfully renewed and one has been subdivided into residential lots with eight others earmarked to undergo a similar route.
Mr Nata said this process marked a new era in land management.
“Landowners now have greater clarity and confidence to shape the economic future of their land whether that means renewing a lease for continuity, converting to residential use, or regaining full access.
“TLTB continues to encourage open dialogue with tenants and landowners to ensure the smooth transition and alignment of all leasing decisions with national development goals and vanua aspirations.”
