The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has successfully reduced its national rental arrears from $31.6 million at the start of 2025 to $16 million by the end of October, marking a significant $15 million decrease — a 48% reduction in just ten months.
TLTB CEO Solomone Nata said the achievement reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring landowners receive what is rightfully theirs from the use of native land.
“This achievement was made at the back of an aggressive arrears recovery strategy that involves getting court orders for disconnection of utilities and vacant possession of leased land across the country,” Mr. Nata said.
He urged tenants with long-outstanding arrears — some dating back 10 to 20 years — to settle their dues without delay.
“We also need to address arrears aged 1–5 years, as failure to act now will lead to further accumulation and make settlement increasingly difficult. This category, which was at $31.6 million covering 29,489 leases, has now been reduced to $16 million across 13,911 leases,” he explained.
TLTB is using a multi-pronged approach to recover arrears, including legal proceedings, house-to-house visits, on-the-ground negotiations, and serving arrears and lease statements.
Failure to pay may result in legal enforcement, such as disconnection of utilities or vacant possession of leased land as ordered by the courts.
The board reiterated its willingness to assist tenants through structured payment plans and encouraged affected individuals or businesses to engage directly with TLTB offices.
