ACCESS to the Narara Water Catchment in Rakiraki has been closed off by landowners after they failed to receive a share of about $4million in compensation from the Water Authority of Fiji.
An agreement on the lease payment was reached between WAF, the iTaukei Lands Trust Board and members of Mataqali Vatuvula Kasia and Mataqali Mua more than six months ago.
However, no word on when the compensation would be paid out has been received by the landowners since.
Head of Mataqali Vatuvula, Soloveni Vuru Waqatabu said for the past 63 years landowners have been patiently waiting for recognition and fair compensation for the use of their land and resources.
“During this period they believe their interests have been overlooked and inadequately addressed,” he said.
“The Water Authority of Fiji and the Government are required to fully discharge their obligations and ensure that all lawfully due and payable to the landowners as previously referenced by the CEO of TLTB are settled in full without further delay.
“In the event that this matter remains unresolved the landowners reserve the right to request that TLTB withdraw the proposed lease offer and to pursue legal remedies available to them against WAF including claims for appropriate compensation, damages and any further relief deemed just and equitable by a court of a competent jurisdiction.”
He said the landowners have resolved that until this matter was satisfactorily addressed, they would deny WAF officers, employees, contractors, agents and representatives’ access through their land to the Narara Water Catchment.
TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata confirmed a letter of offer had been issued to WAF and discussions with the WAF northwest regional manager on the issue were held on Monday.
“That is normal in the negotiation process, and we await their counteroffer, but the issue is the time taken,” he said.
“We are doing our best in continually following up.
“While we are addressing long standing issues, just a little patience is what we ask, as we are dealing with essential services and addressing landowners’ interest.”
Questions sent to WAF on Tuesday remained unanswered.
