Sudhakar listens, assures farmers of solutions to their plight
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Ashneel Sudhakar has assured that he would look into their grievances. Mr Sudhakar community members at the Bucaisau Sector office last week. Some of the issues raised were:
Flood Gate:
Six farms in Soasoa have been affected by seawater sipping into their cane field. Dalip Kumar asked the Minister for Lands if any assistance could be done to rectify the problem.
“I have raised concerns countless times with the Ministry of Waterways but nothing has been done,” Mr Kumar said.
“I normally produce 250 tonnes of cane but there has been a decrease to 160 tonnes after the field has been affected by the seawater.
“I am glad that the Minister for Lands is taking into account our grievances and will step in and help us so that we may improve our production,” he said.
More than 20 farmers in VunivauVuotiri said about 200 acres of canefield had been affected by the seawater sipping into the field. Mr Kand Naicker said that about 10 growers had abandoned their farms because the problem has affected the production. “We’re not asking for compensation, but a solution to enable us improve our production,” Mr Naicker said.
Land Issues
Dur Sami of Soasoa has an active lease that will expire in 2033, but (ITLTB) iTaukei Land Trust Board has turned it into a residential block.
Mr Sami is requesting if he could be assisted to continue with his farming, until his lease expires in 14 years’ time. He produces 100 tonnes of cane.
Water Problems
People living in the Nagigi Settlement have mentioned how they have depended solely on well water for their basic needs.
Feroz Ali said this had been an issue for more than 42 years and nothing has been done to address this water crisis.