THE controversial Momi Bay land swap deal of 2006 has resurfaced with landowners making another last-ditch effort to get the Coalition Government to review the 20-year-old agreement.
The deal made between the Tokatoka o Nahau of Tau Village in Nadroga and the then Laisenia Qarase government allowed the conversion of more than 200 acres of iTaukei land to crown, and then to freehold land, giving way to the Momi Bay development project by then New Zealand-based Matapo Ltd.
The agreement, however, was permanently altered after the 2006 coup, and the implementation of the 2010 Momi Bay Decree which provided an iron clad legal barrier.
The land has since been owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund through its subsidiary – Momi Bay Resort Ltd (MBRL).
This week the landowners and supporters made a public plea for State intervention and for a review of the original agreement.
Spokesperson and Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance president Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa said turning to the Coalition Government was a last resort.
“We have exhausted all avenues available to us,” said Mr Nawaqa.
“So, we are appealing to Government, to the Prime Minister, Lands Minister, iTaukei Affairs Minister for assistance because this matter has gone on for far too long.
“Now the members of Tokatoka o Nahau don’t want the land swap but their own land back and for it to be converted back to iTaukei land.
“We’ve written to the TLTB, the iTaukei Affairs Ministry, the Prime Ministers Office and the Lands Ministry but we have not received any response from them.
“We even went to lawyers, but they said they could not help us.
“This is our last resort.”
In a statement earlier this week, Mr Nawaqa called on the Coalition Government for a review of the original deal.
He said landowners called for direct engagement between the Government, the iTaukei Land Trust Board, FNPF, MBRL and the Tokatoka Nahau leadership.
“We also want public clarification of the current legal status of the land and any obligations arising from the original agreement and consideration of a fair and equitable resolution if outstanding commitments are identified.”
In response, Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo acknowledged the concerns raised by traditional landowners over the 2005 land swap associated with the Momi Bay Marriott Hotel development.
He said the Government inherited a complex issue and was committed to addressing it “responsibly and in good faith”. “Our Coalition Government has inherited this complex issue and is determined to approach it with fairness, transparency, and respect for all parties involved,” Mr Vosarogo said.
Questions sent to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo, TLTB and FNPF remained unanswered.
