AFTER more than a century, 15,000 acres of native land have been formally returned to the Mataqali Nadala in Nadrivatu.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka thanked the landowners for giving their land for agricultural use.
The move seeks to rectify a longstanding land grievance and upholds the Government’s commitment to land justice and the rights of iTaukei landowners, he said.
The 6070 hectares was acquired by the colonial government on June 15, 1905, from Mataqali Nadala under Ordinance XI of 1905 at a rental of 25 pounds.
After its acquisition, the land was used as a sanatorium, a forest and recreation reserve and to support agricultural industries, specifically cocoa, coffee for Indian immigrants with relevant experience.
The process in reverting the land was finally completed last year following a comprehensive review of historical records.
“It has come to the right time to give back what is rightfully yours,” Mr Rabuka said.
“Land acquisition was rightfully done, and the reversion of land back to the resource owners was rightfully done as well.
“The onus is on how you use your land properly.
“We hope that you will continue the good work that was set by your ancestors.”
Mr Rabuka also acknowledged the relevant government ministries for overseeing the reversion of land to its rightful landowners, including the surveying of land. District representative of Savatu Vinivini Daulali thanked the Government for listening to their request in the reversion of the parcel of land known as NG2.
“It is indeed a blessing for the Mataqali Nadala and it’s people who have come together as one to witness this historic occasion.”
