In the tranquil village of Nadakuvatu, located in Saru, Lautoka, the landowners are urging the government to fulfill a long-standing promise to return NG 187—a parcel of land encompassing 3,177 acres that holds significant cultural and historical importance to the Vitogo community. The land, once vital for the region’s water supply, was made redundant after the establishment of the Vaturu Dam, yet its reversion to the original owners has faced extensive delays despite initial government approval.
For generations, the villagers of Nadakuvatu have strived to reclaim this land, an effort rooted deeply in their identity and history. They had made compromises, such as allowing the expansion of the Tavakubu cemetery, with faith that compensation and the eventual return of their land would follow. However, despite recent communications from the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, assuring that the reversion process is in its final stages, villagers claim they have received no further updates.
Historically, the struggle for NG 187 stretches back over 20 years with momentum initially gained in 1999 when then-Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka showed intent to return the land. This progress was subsequently stalled due to changes in government and bureaucratic challenges. Yet, hopes were reignited with the current administration’s commitment to address historical injustices in land ownership, notably aligning with initiatives like the Freehold Buyback Scheme.
The resolution is not merely about land; it is about rectifying generational grievances and empowering indigenous communities to foster sustainable development and improve their socio-economic conditions. With the land’s restoration seemingly imminent—pending only final paperwork—the community is poised to explore new opportunities for growth and development.
For the people of Nadakuvatu, the land is a symbol of cultural heritage and signifies a hopeful future where traditional landowners can reclaim and responsibly manage their ancestral domains. The commitment by the Fijian government to fulfill this promise underscores a broader movement towards restoring indigenous rights and ensuring that historical injustices are righted, nurturing a more equitable future for the communities involved.