The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has made a payment of $150,000 to a Mataqali in Nayavu, Tailevu after an error in royalty payment was rectified.
Mataqali Navunibua of Nayavu, Wainibuka had raised a claim for royalty payment for gravel that was extracted from their land by the Public Works Department (PWD) back in 2008–2009 during the construction of the Kings Highway.
“Due to a record error, the royalty payment made at that time was mistakenly allocated to a different Mataqali,” said TLTB in a statement.
“After a thorough review and legal discussions, TLTB has today (yesterday) paid the outstanding $150,000.00 to the Turaga ni Mataqali and Mataqali Navunibua Trustees — bringing closure to this long-standing matter.”
The payout also marks the end of a High Court case filed by the Mataqali in 2019, which was formally settled through a Deed of Settlement in December 2024.
“The Board remains committed to working with all landowners to ensure fair, transparent, and respectful administration of iTaukei land for the benefit of our people.”
