Alleged sale of lots

LANDOWNERS of Naseakula Village in Labasa want Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to intervene in the alleged sale of lots at the industrial subdivision.

Speaking to Mr Bainimarama during a talanoa session in Labasa this week, Vani Irvin, the mataqali Waikovu rep, claimed they had an agreement with a businessman to develop the land but he failed to do so.

She claimed they had been informed that the businessman had allegedly tried to sell lots without fulfilling the agreement to develop the piece of land.

She also informed Mr Bainimarama that another piece of land belonging to the mataqali, which sits at Naqai, had been given to another landowning unit.

Mr Bainimarama asked North iTaukei Land Trust manager Joe Waqairatu to explain the situation and whether they were aware.

Mr Waqairatu replied he had met the mataqali to discuss the issues and he assured the landowners that the lots at Vakamasisuasua could not be sold without the involvement of the TLTB.

On the issue at Naqai, Mr Bainimarama asked the landowners to write to the Native Lands Commission to ask for their assistance as they were the only authorised body involved in declaring mataqali owned land boundaries.