Lau villagers call for a review of iTaukei Lands Act

Some villagers in the Lau Group have requested that there needs to be a review of the iTaukei Lands Act as it is becoming a hindrance to key initiatives bound to make lives easier on the island.

Raising this issue during the National Development Plan public consultation on Totoya Island in Lau, Turaga Na Tui Dravuwalu Ratu Inosi Kania explaining that the 60 percent consent from all landowners registered in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula was a obstacle to initiatives that will make lives better on the island.

Ratu Inosi says this was because the people who lived on the island made up a much lesser percentage as compared to those who did not, and gathering consent was an issue considering the issues they faced in terms of transportation and communication.

He explained that because of this, key projects like communication towers, solar farms, and other projects are not available in the village that will improve their livelihood.

Ratu Inosi says they are requesting that this be looked into by the government.

The same issue and sentiment were also shared by the villagers of Namuka-i-Lau during the NDP consultation in their village.