The iTaukei Affairs Land and Fisheries Commission has achieved significant milestones in its mission to resolve land boundary disputes and spur development within iTaukei communities. Over the past three years, the Commission has raised approximately $100,000 through land boundary redefinition surveys. This initiative has successfully resolved 40 land disputes over the past two years, providing essential clarity and stability for landowners. Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized the importance of this effort, particularly in addressing issues related to boundaries initially surveyed nearly a century ago.
By confirming customary boundaries via these redefinition surveys, communities are achieving security of tenure, a fundamental requirement for driving economic and social development projects. Schools and community institutions particularly benefit, as formalizing land ownership supports sustained use and development. The positive community feedback and increased land development underscore the success of the Commission’s initiatives.
The Commission prioritizes making these services affordable compared to private surveyors, thereby ensuring that more communities can access these vital surveys. Establishing a dedicated redefinition unit guarantees professional service delivery, complemented by awareness sessions aimed at educating landowners about their boundaries, thus averting future disputes.
Beyond the technical scope, these redefinition surveys restore certainty, unity, and confidence within iTaukei communities. The surveys are part of broader land management efforts conducted by entities like the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission (TLFC) and the iTaukei Lands Trust Board (TLTB).
In recent developments, the TLTB has reported progress with 2,834 new lease approvals and initiatives to return Schedule A and B lands to their rightful owners. This reflects a broader push towards sustainable land use and empowering landowners. Aligning with increased budgets and targeted allocations, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs supports numerous initiatives, ranging from economic development to cultural preservation and traditional leadership training.
These comprehensive strategies indicate a positive future direction for the iTaukei community. Emphasizing economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage, the iTaukei landowners are primed for a future marked by growth and empowerment, bonded by their eternal connection to ancestral lands.