FELIX LESINAIVALU
Nine affected leasing tenants and their families received a compensation payment of $620,000 from Government.
This is the second stage of the Land Acquisition process which is being undertaken in three stages totalling more than 40 affected leasing tenants of both State and iTaukei owned land who had willingly given whole or part of their leased properties for the Nausori Airport Extension project.
A total of $663,700 has been fairly paid out as compensation in stage 1 of the project benefitting 13 affected leasing tenants and their families.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate, said this is the type of coordination that Government desires to drive Fiji forward during this difficult time.
“This is the direction that the Government would want to pursue in solidarity with Fiji’s local, regional and international development and trade partnerships to enable Fiji fight this economic downturn incurred as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Nausori Airport Extension is a project initiated by the Government through the Fiji Airports Limited around 2013 for the expansion of the Nausori Runaway and Pavement Infrastructure.
“This is a project worth FJ$60 million and to which the Hon Prime Minister had officiated the ground breaking ceremony in September, 2018.”
Minister Usamate added that returns to the various landowning units (mataqali) who had given their land for leasing towards where the current airport sits, the Government through this initiative has been paying an annual rental of $50,000 over a combined leased area of 32.4161 hectares.
“Meanwhile, the impact of an upgraded airport with an extended runway will be felt far beyond the homes and businesses in Nausori once the project is completed.”
“This infrastructure project will forever change the face of Nausori International Airport, improve the surrounding areas and advance its people.”