MORE than 3100 acres of ancestral land in Vitogo, Lautoka have been formally returned to their original iTaukei landowning units, ending a decades-long wait for land that was no longer required for public use.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiated at the handover of Native Grant 187 yesterday, describing the occasion as a restoration of identity, history and justice.
“For the iTaukei, land is life,” Mr Rabuka said.
“I know this journey has been long. Some of you have waited decades, some who started this process are no longer with us today.
“We honour them, their patience, belief, and perseverance brought us to this moment.”
The 3177-acre parcel was originally acquired by the colonial government in 1924 for the Lautoka Water Supply Catchment. It has now been reverted to the mataqali of Tunuloa, Matarisiga, Vidilo, Nadakuvatu and Noi Batiri after the catchment was deemed no longer in use.
Director of Lands Josefa Vuniamatana said water is now sourced from the Vaturu catchment, triggering the constitutional requirement for the land to be returned. He added that small sections containing active pipelines were excluded from the handover.
Mr Rabuka said he had approved the land’s reversion in 1999 during his previous term as Prime Minister, but the legal gazetting was only finalised on December 23, 2025.
He reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to the Constitution, stating that land taken for public purposes must be returned when no longer needed.
“This handover is about restoring what is right. It is about honouring lawful commitments made many years ago and rebuilding trust between the State and the traditional landowners of Vitogo.”
