The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is deeply concerned about false and inflammatory attacks made by some politicians on a proposed amendment to the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940.
In a statement, the TLTB management said it clearly showed, based on the quality of their contribution, that they had not read the Bill.
The statement said the Bill proposes that consent of the TLTB is no longer required for any mortgage, charge, pledge, or caveat, as well as development such as water and electricity access on registered leases which are properly issued by the TLTB.
“This applies for leases initiated with the agreement of landowning communities,” the statement said.
“The Bill does not take away land from landowners, it upholds all constitutional protections.
“The Bill does not lower the value of iTaukei land, it raises it.
“The Bill does not reduce lease payments to landowners, it increases them. We welcome public interest in the administrative workings of the TLTB, but those discussions must always be based on truth”
The statement said landowners would continue to receive full rents and premiums under leases of iTaukei land.
“The amount of money received by landowners or which they will continue to receive under leases of iTaukei land are therefore not affected by the removal of the consent requirement to mortgages, charges, pledges and/or caveats.
“However, iTaukei land will become more marketable under the amendment, attracting higher lease payments for landowners.
“Under Bill No 17, the legal requirement for consent for administrative matters –– matters that do not affect the rights of landowners –– will be removed.
“This makes land more attractive for investment which increases the long-term market value of iTaukei land and will generate more income for landowners.”
