Amenayasi Levidiri, a representative for mataqali Noi Batiri welcomed the return of more than 3000 acres of ancestral land last week to five landowning units, marking the conclusion of a 102-year quest for restitution.
These specific landowning units are Tunuloa, Matarisiga, Vidilo, Nadakuvatu and Noi Batiri.
Mr Levidiri said he felt profound relief the lengthy process had finally reached a successful resolution under current the leadership.
He also highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the day, noting that the wait has spanned multiple generations.
“I want to firstly thank God for setting his plans for today, I know it has been a long time that us five mataqali have waited for this day for the land to be returned,” he said.
“Many of our elders have passed on waiting for this day but we are grateful to be blessed to witness this day.”
Mr Levidiri credited the co-operation between the State and traditional institutions for facilitating the handover of the substantial land area.
“We commend the leadership of the government and the Vanua o Vitogo.”
Reflecting on the impact for the families involved, he noted the scale of the achievement after more than a century of displacement.
“We are overjoyed because our families have waited 102 years for this day to happen, it’s a large portion of land but we are so grateful.”
