PLANS to expand the Labasa airport terminal and strengthen its runway is likely to be put on hold while a land use plan is being completed, according to the iTaukei Land Trust Board chief executive officer Solomoni Nata.
Mr Nata said the project cannot proceed until the planning exercise, being carried out by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Ministry of Tourism, is finalised.
“The project is on hold, subject to completion of the land use plan conducted by ADB as engaged by the Ministry of Tourism,” he said.
The Labasa Airport was scheduled to be temporarily closed from February 16 to March 27 this year to facilitate critical runway pavement strengthening to ensure long-term safety, structural integrity, and continued compliance with international aviation standards. The project also included the replacement of the ageing Adi Laisa Terminal built in 1973 with a modern single-storey building covering about 1000 square metres and featuring modern amenities like a bag carousel and air conditioning.
However, there have been outstanding airport leases issues associated with the airport which Mr Nata said has been subjects of discussion between TLTB, other relevant authorities and the landowning units. In response to questions sent to Fiji Airports Ltd to verify the suspension of the project, company spokesperson Saleshni Chaudhary neither confirmed nor denied if the project will begin as scheduled.
“The proposed Labasa Airport development falls under the Na Vualiku Project, an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation,” she said in a statement.
“As part of this project, consultants will be undertaking a master planning exercise for Labasa, which will include a consultation process through the Central Project Management Unit of the Ministry and the wider Integrated Tourism Master Plan. We thank the public and stakeholders for their interest and understanding, and we look forward to providing further information once the process is concluded.”
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka was not available for a comment when this edition went to press. Meanwhile, Mr Nata said they have been meeting with other relevant authorities including the landowning units on the Labasa airport issue.
“We want to ensure that landowners are partners in the extension on terms of business and not mere recipients of premium and lease.”
Asked whether the landowners were aware of the ongoing works, he said there was ongoing dialogue, consultations, and they receive timely feedback. “We ensure that landowners are partners in the extension on terms of business and not mere recipients of premium and lease.”
However, Mataqali Nabukarabe of Nakama Village in Labasa denied this. The clan’s secretary, Kalesi Volatabu, said instead, there have been discussions on how the airport could deliver long-term benefits to the community.
“These include revenue-sharing arrangements, employment and training opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and environmental and cultural safeguards,” she said.
Ms Volatabu said landowners supported development but wanted assurances that their rights and livelihoods would be protected.
“Our priority is to ensure the clan’s rights, culture and livelihood are protected, and that the community secures meaningful, long-term benefits from this project. Also, we will continue to engage in the consultation process to secure clear, written agreements on economic and social benefits, environmental protections, and implementation timelines.”
She said they were open to open communication from project partners and government agencies so that all stakeholders, especially local landowners, are informed and involved.
