The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources continued issuing land lease documents today as government progresses plans for bauxite mining in Bua.
At Lovonidalo settlement in the district of Navakasiga, minister Netani Sukanaivalu presented another set of lease documents to Aurum Exploration (Fiji) Limited which will allow for the construction of a wharf.
The 60 acres of land which belongs to the Mataqali Nalutu will be used to construct a 800 meter wharf where bauxite ores will be shipped directly to melting plants in China for processing.
Mr Sukanaivalu issued both a surface and foreshore lease to company official Basilio Vanuaca in the presence of the mataqali Nalutu.
Also present at the handing over ceremony this morning were ministry officials, acting permanent secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimone Kau and Commissioner Northern Lt Colonel Inia Seruiratu.
Lt Col Seruiratu also handed over a cheque of $101,930.00 as premium and lease payment to the mataqali Nalutu. Another cheque of $275,000 was presented to the vanua Navakasiga and vanua Lekutu as compensation for the loss of fishing rights at Galoa Bay, the proposed construction site for the new wharf.
Under the Land Use decree and Land Use Regulations, government as administrators of these lands will now set up three separate trust accounts for the vanua Navakasiga , vanua Lekutu and the mataqali Nalutu.
The composition of these trust accounts will be finalised by the Prime Minister after receiving nominations from villagers. The Commissioner Northern will be one of the trustees who will play an advisory role for the landowners under the arrangement.
Apart from the income earned from lease and premium payments, other direct benefits include improved infrastructure and better access to health services and education for this rural community.
Bauxite mining works is expected to start in April with the issue of a mining lease to the company.
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