LEASING LAND BETTER THAN THE VAKAVANUA WAY
THE INFORMAL ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN LANDOWNER AND TENANT IS FRAUGHT WITH DANGER
Many iTaukei landowners or landlords stand to earn more money if they lease their land for residential purposes rather than giving it out under the vakavanua way.
The vakavanua way is fraught with danger for the landlord or landowner and the “tenants”.
It is an informal arrangement or agreement that is not legally binding between the landowner and the tenant.
The rationale behind this arrangement is not really clear. We can surmise that the landowners want this arrangement because they have the power over their tenants and dictate what they want.
On the other hand, they may not be earning what they should be getting financially. So they impose their will on the tenants to honour and respect their wishes including the soliciting of funds. Usually the rental paid to the landowner is small compared to that paid under proper and legal leases. It is understood that the landowners top it up by asking the tenants for financial contributions from time to time to meet cultural and chiefly obligations.
It’s a messy affair and tenants are usually under the mercy of the landowners. These are usually desperate and landless people and they have no choice but to accept whatever conditions they are given.
The threat that hangs over their heads is possible eviction if they fail to comply.
The benefit of proper leases is that it will eliminate these problems, give tenants security and peace mind and give landowners better and secure income from their land.
The vakavanua way only works if the tenant and the landlord live peacefully by accepting the conditions of their arrangement. Some settlements, it is understood, enjoy this arrangement.
But when the landowner is alleged to have used the arrangement for political purposes by intimidating the tenants that if they don’t vote for a political party they would be evicted, it is totally unacceptable and should be condemned in the strongest possible term. That’s the danger that faces the vakavanua way. It’s a violation of the basic human rights of the affected people. We are not allowed to force anyone to do what we want. As far as the 2018 General Election is concerned people are free to vote with their conscience without fear, intimidation or coercion. It is a violation of our basic human rights. Besides, no one knows who you vote for, only you and God. Politicians need to tell the voters the truth because some people, particularly those who live in informal settlements, do not know. Also many tenants are too preoccupied with their daily survival that politics is the last thing on their mind.
One tenant in another informal settlement near Suva says they pay a very nominal monthly rental to the landowner. He says they have lived there for years. Their children have grown and moved away to live independently. He is retired but his wife runs a small business which keeps them going. “Every now and then the landlord comes around and asks for our contribution and explains what it is for,” he said.
“It is not that bad. It is only worrying when it happens too often.”
Not far from his home, a tenant parks his car in front of the house and he seems to have done well for himself and the family.
In this settlement, there is a multiracial mix of tenants. Many tenants acquire their plot on
iTaukei land through the vakavanua way using different approaches. The common approach is the presentation of the tabua (whales tooth) and yaqona. It is greatly valued by the
iTaukei and is often accepted because it recognises their values, culture and traditions.
The other approach is by a cash and kind. This has become acceptable too because we are increasingly becoming a cash economy.
Many iTaukei are compassionate and they will not turn away those in need and desperate for help. It’s in their nature. But financial or political pressures could influence the way they think and act.
Financially, landowners will do better if they lease their land out to existing tenants.