iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu has defended the Government’s revised lease distribution system, insisting equal rent distribution for landowning units “has not been completely removed” despite concerns raised in Parliament this week.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate questioned how mataqali members were being compensated, saying they now receive “far less” than before and called for a review of the policy.
“There are a lot of iTaukei who struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet,” Mr Usamate said.
“They relied heavily on the lease income they used to get.
“They’re now asking why those at the top are getting more while they receive less.”
Mr Vasu responded that Government had endorsed the reinstatement of the old lease structure “but in a revised formulation” and that equal distribution remained an option.
“The current system considers the social obligations of traditional leaders — looking after the vanua, the people, and the church,” Mr Vasu said.
“Even a Class 1 student was receiving the same as a Turaga ni Mataqali, who bears far greater responsibility.”
Under the revised model, 85 percent of lease income is directed to the Proprietary Unit, and 15 per cent is shared among traditional leaders — 7 per cent to the Turaga ni Mataqali, 5 per cent to the Turaga ni Qali, and 3 per cent to the Turaga iTaukei.
Government MP Alvick Maharaj also raised concerns from constituents who claim the new system is driving some to crime out of desperation.
Speaker Filimone Jitoko ordered the statement withdrawn, saying it lacked evidence.
Mr Vasu noted more than 154,000 landowners continue to receive lease payments through equal rent distribution, adding: “Distribution must support the holistic needs of the mataqali, not just the individual.”
