A CLAN in Labasa claims it was not consulted before an extension lease was granted for an industrial development underway on their land.
Waikovu clan spokesperson Vilimone Davelevu said part of their land at Vakamasuasua was included in the extension without consultation.
Mr Davelevu said development on the piece of land was underway with key infrastructure still missing such as water supply, sewage, streetlights and fire safety systems.
“Our concern is that the development is still not complete, but work has been continuing,” he said.
While raising their concern with this newspaper, he said there should be proper processes followed before the lease extension were given by iTaukei Land Trust Board.
He said the development lease had expired in January 2023.
“We believe there are regulations that govern the safety and occupancy of buildings, especially after development, and those have not been properly followed.”
The industrial development was originally given a 10-year lease term as required under the law but he said construction activity only began around 2022.
“We believe there were irregularities in how the development progressed, including what we feel was an unofficial way of proceeding with construction.”
He said landowners had engaged the iTaukei Land Trust Board on several occasions over their concerns. “We have had several meetings with the iTaukei Land Trust Board. The last meeting was with the manager, where we raised our concerns.”
He said follow up discussion with TLTB had produced conflicting explanations on enforcement actions, including stop-work notices, which were reportedly not carried out.
“This had created confusion among landowners over regulatory responsibility and oversight of the development.”
He said the TLTB were not looking after the interest of landowners in the North.
“We believe TLTB should protect the interests of landowners, but in this case we feel that has not happened.”
He said they were now awaiting action and called for a thorough investigation into the lease extension, development approvals and compliance processes.
Questions sent to the TLTB remained unanswered when this edition went to print.
