THERE are 2279 heads of mataqali (landowning unit) positions that are still vacant, according to latest report from the Native Land Commission.
Commission chairman Ratu Vananalagi Vesikula said the government was concerned with the high number of those vacant traditional positions.
And he said there were 569 vacant positions for the head of yavusa that were yet to be filled in villages in the 14 provinces.
He said this was a worrying trend because the people were being left alone with no leadership and guidance while continuing with their daily lives in the village.
"Ni sega ni vakatawani na i tutu oqo, era sa na qai liutaki vakacava," Ratu Vananalagi said.
(When these positions are vacant, then who will lead these people?).
"Ni sega ni vakatawani na i tutu ni liuliu ni mataqali se yavusa, ena tubu cake na vakau nona, era na vakayaco lomadra tu ga ni sega ni tiko e dua na i liuliu". (When positions of head of mataqali or yavusa are not filled, there will be a rise in cases of people doing whatever they want to do because there is no leader).
He urged respective landowning units to appoint leaders because this would create stability and prosperity for the 14 provinces.
He pointed out that without traditional leaders, there would be lack of direction for the people.