Tubuna: State to set up special fund

ASSISTANT Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna says Government will consider setting up a special fund to compensate landowners for giving their land for use by other communities.

Mr Tubuna said last year, he highlighted the need to address the plight of descendants of the Melanesians living in Fiji, particularly the need to explore how the Government could arrange a more permanent tenancy arrangement.

He said the Government had established an InterMinisterial Taskforce under the administrative and policy oversight of the Office of the Prime Minister, to oversee the initiative.

“We are indeed thankful to the two Yavusa in Lami - Yavusa Nasevou and Yavusa Nakurukuru, for their generosity in accommodating the Melanesian settlements of Matata,” Mr Tubuna said.

“Most of the time, we take the generosity of the landowners for granted but they are fulfilling the role that has to be played by Government which is providing land for those who are in need to be resettled.

“There are so many landowners, particularly in the urban areas of Fiji who, out of their good faith, provided their land to house other communities.”

He said these landowners were from Kalabu, Tamavua, Suvavou, Kuku, Nausori, Namoli, and Naviyago to name a few.

“The sad reality is that most of these landowners suffer silently in poverty, but they do not admit it.

“When you talk to them privately, they will say life is difficult. Government is hearing their voices, and we will strongly consider establishing a special fund.”