‘Equal share affects village development’

THE equal distribution of lease money has affected development plans in villages.

The issue was highlighted during a meeting of traditional leaders in Macuata recently.

Traditional leaders of five mataqali of Nabukadogo Village pleaded with the iTaukei Land Trust Board to assist them with the issue because of the impact on development over the past few years.

Speaking on behalf of the landowners who belong to the five mataqali — Korolevu, Vatuvirikia, Ratinitini, Natuvu and Ravinivatu – Ilisoni Dovibua said the development plans had slowed down after members started receiving individual shares of lease money.

“Before this system started, the projects we organised and funded in the village was not affected because majority that went to our traditional leaders were used for the projects,” he said.

“Where the members lacked, the leaders funded more and that has been our system.

“But since the equal lease distribution started, every member decides how to use their money so they don’t contribute to the project.”

TLTB general manager Tevita Kuruvakadua said landowners were provided with two choices.

“The TLTB has two options of distributing lease money and royalties — and one option is for individual mataqali members to each open a bank account and we distribute the lease directly to them,” he said.

“But that option works very well for landowners who receive many leases and receive high rental and in some instances we have situations where a mataqali has few lease but many members and if they opt for the first option, then they get a very minimum amount.

“So the other option is for them to get a trust account and they can write to TLTB and ask for it and they should submit the minutes of their meeting agreeing to this and we will raise the deed of trust and facilitate,” Mr Kuruvakadua added.