FIJI Airport does not engage directly with landowners without approvals.
This is the confirmation it made after it was asked if any consultations had been conducted with the landowners of the Labasa Airport regarding the extension.
While responding to queries from this newspaper, Fiji Airports said the approval for it to meet with the landowners came from the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Department of Lands.
“Therefore, all visits and engagements with landowners are conducted with representation from the relevant government agencies.”
When asked what steps are taken to ensure that the landowners are fully informed, Fiji Airports said they follow close requirements under the director of lands when it comes to land owning unit engagement.
“We follow established engagement channels when dealing with landowners, including ensuring that the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Department of Lands are present in all discussions.”
Fiji Airports said it took all concerns raised by landowners seriously and ensures they are addressed promptly and respectfully through established engagement channels.
“We are committed to open dialogue and to working collaboratively with landowners to achieve outcomes that are well understood and mutually acceptable”
This comes after the clan members of Nabukarabe in Nakama Village, Labasa, want a seat at the table regarding any further development at the Labasa Airport in Waiqele.
They claim that they have never been consulted by either government, Fiji Airports, the Ministry of Lands or the iTaukei Lands Trust Board over the planned extension to the Labasa Airport, which sits on their land
However, Fiji Airports said there were meetings recorded between them and the landowners.
“These conversations have been positive, and we remain committed to ongoing engagement to ensure landowners are kept informed, heard, and respectfully involved as the project progresses.”
Mataqali Nabukarabe owns 3890 acres in Labasa, with about 1100 acres currently leased under the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
The extension of Labasa airport in Waiqele is an $8.57million Government project to strengthen the existing runway and replace the aging Adi Laisa Terminal which was built in 1973.
The new terminal will be a modern, single-story facility covering approximately 1000 square meters and featuring modern amenities like a baggage carousel and air-conditioning.
Runway strengthening is scheduled for February 16 to March 27 and the airport will be closed during this phase.
