The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has welcomed a $40.6 million allocation under the 2025–2026 National Budget, an increase of $4.1 million from the previous year.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, during his response to the Budget address, affirmed the ministry’s full support for the national budget, calling it “a people-centric budget” focused on security, stability, and prosperity.
“This budget strengthens our ability to deliver what matters most to our people—access to land, clean water, disaster readiness, and sustainable development,” said Minister Vosarogo.
Key Budget Highlights for the Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources:
1. Land Development and Surveying for Landowners
• $1.4 million allocated to surveying of Mahogany plantations and government assets on iTaukei land to ensure landowners receive due financial benefits.
• Currently, $8.8 million annually is paid to landowners for leases on surveyed lands.
2. Legislative Reforms for Better Governance
• Cabinet has approved the review of the State Lands Act 1945 and Land Use Act 2010.
• Fiji’s first-ever Valuation Act is also under development.
• $114,000 allocated to fund legal and technical consultations, ensuring all stakeholders are heard.
3. Reintroduction of the Freehold Buy-Back Scheme
• A $5 million allocation has been made to return historically dispossessed lands to native landowning units through voluntary and transparent negotiations.
4. Water Security for Rural and Maritime Communities
• $6.4 million allocated for groundwater development, including:
o $844,000 for small island communities
o $5.65 million for larger islands
• In the last financial year alone, over 21,000 people benefited from 64 groundwater sources.
5. Accelerating Digital Transformation
• Launch of e-lodgement of survey plans to streamline approvals and increase efficiency, transparency, and access to land data.
6. Strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
• $2.04 million for regional volcanic hazard reduction (JICA-funded SATREP project)
• $207,000 for earthquake and tsunami early warning systems
• Funding for geological mapping, landslide risk assessments, and technical equipment upgrades
7. Investing in Human Capital
• 24 project positions regularised, providing job security and stability for key staff delivering services across Fiji.
Minister Vosarogo emphasised that while no budget is perfect, this one sets a bold course to lift living standards, fight poverty, and modernise public service delivery.
“Real security, lasting stability, and genuine prosperity begin with how we manage what we are entrusted with. We do notoffer miracles—but we offer service grounded in urgency, driven by purpose, and focused on outcomes,” said Minister Vosarogo.
He concluded by dedicating the Ministry’s work to the people of Fiji, expressing condolences for the late Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, and reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to national development.