Under the leadership of the Coalition Government, four freehold titles have been successfully handed over to the landowners, namely Tuvumaca, Weilagi/Yavusa Wairuku, Waivunia, Yavusa Waidau (Ovalau), Mataqali Bitolevu (Serua) and Yavusa Vugalei of Kasavu Village (Naitasiri).
The latest to benefit from the initiative was the Yavusa Vugalei of Kasavu Village in Naitasiri, who paid $148,000.00 for 74 acres of land in Waidra and received their title on Friday, 27th September, from the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon Filimone Vosarogo, during a handover ceremony held at Waidra in the lower Naitasiri region.
Government started the Buy-Back Scheme in 1989 to allow native landowners who had little or no cultivable agricultural land buy back ancestral land that had been alienated as freehold lands.
Minister Vosarogo urged the Yavusa Vugalei members to consider making use of the various Government initiatives announced in the 2024-2025 Budget.
“There are 15 programmes under various Ministries that you can make use of to develop your land here in Waidra. Programmes that can assist you with land clearing, drainage, land preparation and cultivation of various crops. These are programmes that are there to assist every citizen of this nation, and the onus is on you to knock at the government door,” said the Minister.
“Do understand the importance of using the land efficiently and sustainably and ensure that you are aware of the many opportunities the Coalition Government has made available to you. It's important to keep your eyes open to new possibilities.”
“Keep knocking and be persistent until you get assistance. Persistence shapes your path, ensuring that your determination echoes louder. The world responds to those who refuse to be ignored. Keep pushing forward,” adds Minister Vosarogo.
Naitasiri High Chief, Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, while echoing the Minister’s remarks, also cautioned the male members of the Yavusa on the burden of womenfolk to fend for their families.
“This is a disturbing issue in our communities nowadays, and it must stop,” said Ratu Inoke.
“Stop the overconsumption of yaqona and use that time to plan ways you can move forward, and one is how you can utilise the land returned today for the benefit of our children.”
The “Turaga na Qanivalu" has also invited the Minister Vosarogo to visit Waidra again next year and witness the progress that Yavusa Vugalei has made on the land.
The Buy-Back Scheme successfully led to the return of 2,465 acres to traditional owners, benefiting four landowning units over three decades.
Notably, out of the total landowning units assisted by the Government, four have successfully cleared their dues amounting to $806,770.80, contributing 18.3% of the total amount recovered.