The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has begun enforcing existing court orders against individuals and estates accused of failing to comply with judgments requiring them to vacate iTaukei land and settle outstanding rental arrears.
TLTB’s Legal Team has been authorised to obtain writs of possession through the Ba and Lautoka Magistrates’ Courts in cases where court orders have already been issued but remain unfulfilled.
The cases involve residential and agricultural leases in the Western Division, including occupants who have failed to pay rental arrears, regularise their occupation or vacate properties despite court directives.
TLTB Chief Executive Officer Solomoni Nata said the Board had a responsibility to ensure court decisions were respected and iTaukei land was managed according to the law and the interests of landowners.
“Where court orders have been obtained and reasonable opportunities have been provided for compliance, TLTB is compelled to pursue the lawful enforcement mechanisms available under Fiji’s judicial system,” Nata said.
He said the enforcement action was not only aimed at recovering outstanding rent but also at upholding the integrity of lease administration.
“This process is not only about the recovery of outstanding rental arrears but also about upholding the integrity of lease administration and ensuring that iTaukei land is occupied and utilised in accordance with legal agreements and court directives,” he said.
TLTB will work with the Sheriff, Court Bailiffs and other relevant authorities to execute the orders.
The Board said physical enforcement would only be carried out through the authorised court process under the Magistrates Court Act 1944, with TLTB officers assisting in receiving possession once properties had been lawfully recovered.
Nata urged lessees and occupants with outstanding obligations to engage with TLTB before their cases escalate to enforcement proceedings.
He said the Board remained willing to work constructively with tenants and occupants, but continued non-compliance with court orders left it with no alternative but to pursue enforcement.
“Respect for the rule of law is essential to ensuring fairness for both landowners and occupiers,” Nata said.
The enforcement exercise forms part of TLTB’s broader efforts to improve rental recovery, reduce illegal occupation and ensure iTaukei land continues to generate benefits for current and future generations of landowners.
