Vaturu Dam boundary survey the only way to address long overdue issues

The survey of the Vaturu Dam boundary in Nadi is the only way to address the long overdue issues.

Responding to the question raised by a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Kiniviliame Kiliraki, iTaukei Land Trust Board Deputy General Manager, Solomone Nata says they have the lease agreement since the dam was built in 1979.

Nata also confirmed that TLTB has distributed $6million as land rent and premium to landowners in Vaturu, Nadi.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Joeli Cawaki says a report will be presented to Parliament in the next sitting.

He says one of their recommendations is to set up a taskforce to look into this matter.

The standing committee is holding hearings after a petition was presented to parliament by opposition MP, Viliame Gavoka.

The petition seeks to have the arrangement between government and the landowners of Vaturu Dam reviewed.

The petition has been signed by more than 500 members of the mataqali.

They are seeking a review of the compensation for Vaturu Dam.