Tui Vuna interested in Buyback Scheme
Tui Vuna, Ratu Aporosa Rageci, has expressed interest in the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources’ ‘Freehold Land Buyback Scheme’.
Ratu Aporosa, during a talanoa session with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at Naselesele Village in Wainikeli, Taveuni, Cakaudrove Province, recently, sought clarification if his tribe (Yavusa of Vuna) located in Taveuni Island could buy potential estate land.
“They are potentially a few estate lands that we have identified in nearby areas within our district,” he said.
Ratu Aporosa claimed that land was sold to these estate owners during the time of their grandparents, which they intend to reclaim through legal buyback means.
“That is why we are asking the PM about the buyback system on freehold land and if we can get a few of our land parcels back to meet our needs and wants,” he said.
The call to buy additional land is to cater for the rising number of tribe members.
More than 5000 people reside in the yavusa that make up three villages and a few settlements.
Also, land use for income generating projects for youth empowerment is another reason.
Ratu Aporosa and the Yavusa committee of Vuna are looking at 1000
acres of these estate land, which he believes will be enough to meet their needs.
Mr Rabuka said he would liaise with the aligned ministry if help could be provided to clarify the request.
Tui Vuna is hopeful the coalition Government will help them secure extra land for his people.
He congratulated the Yavusa of Wainikeli for securing its land, which was 1184 acres of four respective titles.
Yavusa Wainikeli wants to make use of extra land
The chairman of the Yavusa Wainikeli working committee, Julian Hennings, highlighted various projects aimed to use extra land now owned.
These included the sustainable land use practice manual, Vaderebua Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) project, reforestation project and quarry setup.
These are long term plans for this year to 2027 in separate stages, however, Mr Hennings added these projects depended on government support.