$1.61M paid to 4 landowning units in Nawailevu village in premium and rental returns - Koya

A total of $1.61 million has been paid out to the four landowning units in Nawailevu village in Vanua Levu in premium and rental returns.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya who says that the Mataqali, Nalutu received $85,893.45 in rock royalty payments.

Koya says that 11 Yavusa’s in the Districts of Lekutu and Navakasiga in Bua have received fishing rights compensation amounting to $275,000.

He says the other benefits enjoyed by the landowners are the trucks purchased from the lease money that have been used for business purposes like transportation of staff, school children and other mataqali needs.

Koya says that the Mataqali Naicobo purchased a 3-tonne carrier to transport workers, school children and attended to other mataqali commitments.

He says that the Mataqali Nalutu has utilized their lease monies for housing purposes, purchase of fishing gear to assist them with their small business operations.

While responding to Koya’s statement, SODELPA MP Josefa Dulakiverata says that the mining company in Nawailevu should not have been given new exploration and mining license until rehabilitation process in Nawailevu has finished.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources says that government cannot influence the utilization of revenues received and the landowners are at liberty to utilize their funds how they want to, as the choice rests solely on the landowners.