LANDOWNERS in Wainunu, Bua, are demanding government staff in the North step up their service, saying long-standing concerns have gone unaddressed.
At least 10 landowners visited the Ministry of Forestry office in Labasa yesterday to hand-deliver a letter to acting divisional forestry officer Northern, Uraia Racule.
Wainunu conservation steward leader Laisala Ranamosa said they had invited Mr Racule to three district meetings this year, but he failed to attend any.
“They were invited to our house on three occasions; this time, we are taking the game to them,” he said.
Mr Ranamosa said landowners had exhausted proper channels.
“This step is not taken lightly, but it has become necessary to force a dialogue on issues that can no longer be ignored.”
At the centre of their grievance is the Nabale site, where approval was given for 110,000 eucalyptus trees to be planted on 558 acres.
He estimates that more than one million trees have since been planted, crossing into land belonging to four clans.
Mr Ranamosa also raised concerns about a chemical, labelled in a different language and suspected to contain paraquat, being used during planting.
“The village of Sanono has felt the burden of the harmful chemical,” he said, adding that seaweed growth patterns had shifted, threatening the district’s main source of income.
Villagers collected samples of the powder for authorities, he said, explaining that roots were dipped into the chemical before planting.
He said boundaries crossed by overplanting were only confirmed after a Native Land Commission survey, and no consultation had been held with landowners prior to this.
“As far as I know, from the time they started planting, I have not been part of any consultation process in Wainunu. We are very worried — this development is harming the environment we depend on.”
Mr Racule, who received the letter, admitted consultations had not been carried out properly.
“I am glad that the landowners were able to come and address some of the issues they are currently facing,” he said.
Seeking the forgiveness of the landowners, he said consultations must always be conducted first. He said the ministry would review the concerns and meet again with landowners.
Xinfa Group of Companies, which is engaged in eucalyptus and acacia planting in the area, denied that the chemical in question contained paraquat.
Group representative Ronald Singh said authorities would not allow it into the country.
He said the issue of overplanting could be resolved through discussions.
