Concerns have been raised over the expiration of development leases for informal settlements, as discussed during a recent hearing of the parliamentary Standing Committee. Manasa Lesuma, the Permanent Secretary for Housing, disclosed that the Ministry is currently overseeing 48 development leases, with approximately 14 of them having already expired.
Lesuma highlighted that the Ministry is in ongoing conversations with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and various landowning units to facilitate the renewal of these leases. He acknowledged that while some landowners have shown reluctance to extend these agreements, there remains a level of optimism that continued dialogue will yield approvals.
Parveen Bala, a member of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, expressed concern regarding the substantial funds already allocated to the TLTB for these leases. Bala pointed out that the purpose of these investments was to stimulate development benefiting all stakeholders. The lack of renewed leases raises the possibility of wasted initial investments.
In light of these issues, Teopola Kulavati, Director of Housing, recognized the risks involved and reassured that the Ministry shares these worries. He mentioned that they are working alongside a consultant to conduct crucial geotechnical and topographic assessments, as well as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). However, this undertaking necessitates thorough communication with various stakeholders, which could result in delays.
To mitigate these apprehensions, the Ministry is bolstering communication with the TLTB and landowners to communicate that while development is still in the planning phase, construction will begin following the acquisition of necessary engineering approvals and funding. This proactive strategy aims to enhance trust and ensure that developments can move forward, ultimately benefiting the communities involved. The Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and transparency is a positive step towards addressing these challenges and unlocking valuable development opportunities for the regions affected.