Five new developments will soon break ground in Fiji after development proposals by iTaukei land owners were approved to receive government funding and support for their planned residential and commercial subdivision projects.
These developments will be funded through the Government Grant Assistance for iTaukei Land Development, a Government initiative launched in 2015 to enable iTaukei landowners to maximise the value of their land holdings.
Attorney‑General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum says with this most recent round of approvals and the funding, government is again finding ways in a practical and tangible manner financially to empower iTaukei landowners.
Sayed‑Khaiyum says specifically, the grants are designed to meet the cost of connecting and constructing utilities such as electricity, water, roads and other critical infrastructure on iTaukei land.
The developers that have been approved for assistance under the scheme includes Iliesa Cebaivalu Namuaira from Vuda, Manasa Naiceru Nasara from Tavua, the Mataqali Matarisiga Trust in Lautoka, Josefa Uluivuda and Makelesi Dibau Davelevu from Lautoka; and the Haravai Holding Trust from Nadroga.
Since the launch of the initiative in 2015, five other developments in Vuda, Wairabetia, Saweni, Yadua and Tailevu have already received development funding, and are nearing completion across the country.
At a meeting with the landowners whose applications had received approval, Sayed‑Khaiyum commended those whose proposals will come to fruition.
He says they have already permanently and irreversibly protected the inalienable rights of iTaukei land ownership through the 2013 Fijian Constitution, and through this programme, they are giving iTaukei landowners the opportunity to develop their own land, make healthy profits, become cash empowered, have business opportunities and invest back into the Fijian economy.
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