PROPOSALS by iTaukei landowners were approved to receive government funding and support for their planned residential and commercial subdivision projects.
This after comprehensive development proposals by these landowners was approved and will now see five new developments break ground in Fiji.
The Government Grant Assistance for iTaukei Land Development will fund these developments, an initiative that was launched by the Government in 2015 to enable iTaukei landowners to maximise the value of their land holdings.
Connecting and constructing utilities such as electricity, water, roads and other critical infrastructure are what these grants are specifically designed to meet.
Five other developments in Vuda, Wairabetia, Saweni, Yadua and Tailevu have already received development funding and are nearing completion across the country since the launch of the initiative in 2015, a Government statement said.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was quoted in the statement complementing the approved developers whose proposals were completed.
“With this most recent round of approvals and the funding, Government is again finding ways to, in a practical and tangible manner, financially empower iTaukei landowners. This is yet another investment in our people, and these new developments will further grow the Fijian economy,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said in the statement.
“We’ve already permanently and irreversibly protected the inalienable rights of iTaukei land ownership through the 2013 Fijian Constitution, and through this programme, we’re doing one better – giving iTaukei landowners the opportunity to develop their own land, make healthy profits, become cash empowered, have business opportunities and invest back into the Fijian economy.”
The following developers have been approved for assistance under the scheme:
• Iliesa Cebaivalu Namuaira in Vuda;
• Manasa Naiceru Nasara in Tavua;
• the Mataqali Matarisiga Trust in Lautoka;
• Josefa Uluivuda and Makelesi Dibau Davelevu in Lautoka; and
• the Haravai Holding Trust in Nadroga.
