THE iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has defended its decision to withhold $750,000 from lease premium payment owed to mataqali Nawavatu in Kalabu Village, Naitasiri for a parcel of mataqali land leased to the Government for the construction of a 100-bed Super Special Cardiology Hospital in Nasinu, a bilateral project between Fiji and India.
In a recent meeting with members of the mataqali, TLTB said it had provided a comprehensive explanation of the transition process for the land’s change of use and detailed the extensive consultations undertaken with elders and trustees.
“The premium calculation was based on the intended usage and market value, with the project being recognised as one of national interest,” TLTB said in a statement.
“Furthermore, six acres were allocated for the landowners’ empowerment initiative, representing a significant investment opportunity for the mataqali.
“Several key issues were discussed, including the valuation of the premium, the consultation process, and communication between trustees and mataqali members.
“These concerns were thoroughly addressed, leading to a productive discussion in which youth members acknowledged their breach of protocol and extended their apologies.”
Last month, spokesperson for mataqali Nawavatu Youth Loata Raibevu had raised concerns with The Fiji Times regarding what she claimed was the partial disbursement of $2.9million in lease premium over the hospital land.
“The entire $2.9m was supposed to be disbursed and not a cent held back for investment like they (TLTB) are now claiming,” Ms Raibevu told this newspaper.
She said $1.4m had already been paid out to them before Christmas but the TLTB had later changed its tune on the $1.5m outstanding payment, saying it will retain $750,000 to invest it on behalf of the mataqali.
At the Kalabu meeting held on January 23, TLTB provided insights into its role in empowering landowners and facilitating business participation.
“Clarifications were made regarding the distribution of $3m and the $750,000 balance withheld by the Board for investment purposes,” it stated.
“The executive management’s decision to withhold these funds was based on investment regulations aimed at securing long-term benefits for the landowners.
“Additional business opportunities were also discussed, aligning with TLTB’s vision for joint ventures and sustainable economic growth.”
A historical overview presented by TLTB of lease payments made to landowning unit mataqali Nawavatu revealed that approximately $14m had been distributed since 2015, with an average annual income per recipient of $1,720.27.
Shortly after TLTB released its statement, Ms Raibevu posted a video on social media calling on TLTB to explain why it held back $750,000, the legality of the deduction and proof of investment.
Questions have been sent to TLTB on Ms Raibevu’s claims in the video.
The mataqali has around 600 members registered in the vola-ni-kawa-bula or iTaukei ethnic registry.
