Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics Hon. Professor Biman Prasad in his visit to the community of Naleba elaborated on Governments vision on getting the basics right.
Professor Prasad in the stakeholders meeting highlighted the works are ongoing in the Health and Infrastructure sector in terms of upgrading the health care facilities, road and drainage works in the rural areas.
The residents and farmers raised concerns of the land leases that are nearing renewal, access to water supply and most importantly the aging infrastructure under Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) requiring urgent attention.
The farmers also requested for attention by FSC to allocate cane carts for the farmers in the hilly terrain for timely harvesting and transportation of cane to the Labasa Mill.
Professor Prasad highlighted the land issue consultations that was undertaken in 2023 following which Government made a decision in assisting 218 farmers with the payment of premium for renewal of leases.
Further to this, he advised the farmers on the new allocations made under Ministry of Sugar to assist farmers with the payment of premiums.
Professor Prasad reassured farmers that consultations will be undertaken by iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) with farmers and landowners to address the renewal of expiring leases which are not part of the land use plan of the TLTB.
