A 28-residential lot was opened at Varavu in Ba yesterday providing much-needed relief for Fijians searching for land to build their homes.
Made possible through a partnership between the iTaukei Lands Trust Board and two landowning units of Sorokoba Village, the new subdivision features 26 residential and two commercial lots.
TLTB’s chief executive officer Solomone Nata said utility and civil works for the Varavu Residential Subdivision was fully funded by the board.
“It costs about $1million to carry out the installation of water metres, drainage systems and electricity facilities,” he said.
“The project is about landowners taking ownership of the economic value of these developed lots by turning their native land into sustainable income, opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.
“This project is fully- funded by the iTaukei Lands Trust Board, and it represents a new direction and purpose and that is to do more for landowners and ensure they benefit directly from the development of their land.”
He said what made Varavu unique was not just its location but its model — a development by landowners for landowners.
“Through this project we secured long-term income streams for the Mataqali Yasawa.
“We created opportunities for home ownership with fresh 99-year leases and we ensure full access to each lot and the connection of essential public utilities like water and electricity and we positioned Varavu as an attractive asset that will grow in value over time.”
Ba Town Council’s special administrator Pauliasi Matawalu said the new lots would accommodate new workers, especially those recruited by Aspen Medical.
He said the project was also an indication of the growing economic development in the town.