Concerns surrounding the expiration of development leases for informal settlements have been highlighted during a recent parliamentary Standing Committee hearing. Manasa Lesuma, the Permanent Secretary for Housing, revealed that the Ministry currently manages 48 development leases, with around 14 of them having expired.
Lesuma noted that discussions are ongoing with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and landowning units to facilitate the renewal of these leases. He expressed that some landowners have been hesitant to extend the leases, but the Ministry remains hopeful that continued consultations will lead to approvals and consents.
Parveen Bala, a member of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, raised alarms over the significant funds already disbursed to the TLTB for these leases. Bala emphasized that the expectation was for development to occur, which would benefit both parties involved, yet many of the leases have not been renewed, potentially wasting the initial investments.
In response to these concerns, Teopola Kulavati, Director of Housing, acknowledged the risks posed by the situation, assuring that the Ministry is equally worried. He explained that the Ministry is collaborating with a consultant to implement the necessary geotechnical and topographic assessments, as well as the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Unfortunately, this process requires extensive communication with stakeholders, which can lead to delays.
To alleviate concerns, the Ministry is enhancing communication with the TLTB and landowners to clarify that while development is still in the planning stages, construction will commence after obtaining the necessary engineering approvals and securing funding. This proactive approach aims to build trust and ensure that developments can proceed, ultimately benefiting the communities involved.