Call to set up lease review committee
SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro has called on Government to set up a lease review committee to look into the plight of both landowners and tenants to address lease issues once and for all.
Speaking for the first time as a back bencher, Mr Radrodro said lease issues have affected a large number of government and private sector led projects.
“Some of the most common arguments prevailing over land leases is on the absence of compensation for the use of natural resources like land and sea, and the disparity in lease payment against the wealth and benefits derived by those leasing the land,” said Mr Radrodro.
“I urge the Government to immediately set up a lease review committee to look into the plight of both landowners and tenants- so that we address these issues once and for all.
“TLTB may not have the ability nor the political will to address these challenges we need to resolve.”
He said one group of landowners that have been demanding for compensation were the people of Naitasiri.
“The people of Naitasiri have asked for compensation for land used by the State over the years without any proper compensation like that which the FNU Nursing School and the Fiji School of Medicine sits on; likewise, the land on which the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at Delainabua sits on.
“This is not to mention the water catchment areas around Fiji where no lease arrangements exist.
“Until Government does the right thing and accepts responsibility where previous governments have failed to properly compensate landowning units, there will continue to be growing mistrust between our landowners and tenants as well as against TLTB and the State.”