Clan members of Nabukarabe in Nakama Village, Labasa, are seeking participation in the discussions regarding the future development of Labasa Airport located in Waiqele. The community claims they have not been consulted by the government or relevant authorities, including Fiji Airports, the Ministry of Lands, and the iTaukei Lands Trust Board, concerning airport extensions that impact their ancestral land.
Kalesi Volatabu, secretary of Mataqali Nabukarabe, expressed frustration over what she describes as a tokenistic role in discussions surrounding the airport’s development. She pointed out that the airport leases, originating during colonial times, were granted to the Ministry of Lands, and subsequent developments have occurred without any input from the landowners. “Two years ago, we approached Fiji Airports and the Ministry of Lands over this, but we have yet to receive any feedback,” Ms. Volatabu stated.
The mataqali manages approximately 200 active leases in Labasa, but they lack clarity regarding the terms, some of which date back to colonial periods. Volatabu highlighted the absence of information on the types of leases—be it commercial or industrial—resulting in a disconnect between the landowners and the developments taking place on their land.
The community members are requesting a comprehensive audit of their land to clarify the activities occurring on it and to negotiate fair compensation for the use of their ancestral territory. They have articulated a desire for dialogue that could lead to job creation for the youth in the village, addressing the high levels of unemployment faced by their community.
Moreover, the Nabukarabe clan faces additional challenges, such as a dispute involving the Nasarava water catchment managed by the Water Authority of Fiji, which also traverses their land. With 345 members, the matagalai has previously raised alarms about ambiguous lease terms and administrative issues, yet their concerns have been largely overlooked.
The community has urged for immediate action concerning the airport leases as delays could impede both local welfare and ongoing developments. The Labasa Airport expansion, a Government project valued at $8.57 million, aims to reinforce the current runway and replace the outdated Adi Laisa Terminal, which has been in operation since 1973. Plans for a new modern terminal include improved amenities, while runway strengthening is scheduled to take place from February 16 to March 27, focused on increasing safety and reliability without extending the runway itself.
The Nabukarabe clan’s calls for consultation and inclusion highlight the important need for recognition and respect for landowners’ rights and foster a hopeful path toward collaborative development efforts that can benefit both the community and the ongoing projects at Labasa Airport.