The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has strongly rejected allegations of financial mismanagement concerning landowning unit funds that recently surfaced on social media. The claims, made by Fiji-born U.S. citizen Vilisi Nadaku, have been deemed inaccurate and misleading by Ratu Aca Rayawa, chairman of the TLTB Board Governance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Mr. Rayawa pointed out several accusations made by Nadaku, particularly targeting the distribution of leases to the Grace Road group of companies for development projects in areas such as Navua, Nadi, and Sigatoka. He emphasized the strict requirements that the Grace Road group must adhere to, ensuring compliance with local laws as a foreign investor. Furthermore, he clarified that the leases associated with Grace Road companies, including Grace Road Property Development and Grace Road Food Company, are processed according to TLTB’s established policies and procedures.
One of Nadaku’s principal allegations was that the TLTB CEO had a hand in facilitating a lease for Grace Road in Yadua. In response, Mr. Rayawa explained that the land in question, where the Grace Road True Mart operates, was part of a development lease previously held by a landowner trust, which was later sold to Grace Road Trading Limited. The landowner trust then permitted Grace Road Trading to continue its development activities after the expiration of the original lease.
Mr. Rayawa categorically denied Nadaku’s claims that TLTB obstructed the landowner trust’s projects in favor of Grace Road, describing such assertions as baseless and defamatory. Regarding the issues surrounding the Wainadova land lease in Navua, he stated that the matter is currently before the High Court and reaffirmed that Mr. Nata was not involved in the lease processing.
While acknowledging the concerns related to breaches of conditions on agricultural leases in Navua, Mr. Rayawa stated that TLTB had issued a formal breach notice to the lessee, which was subsequently resolved with the payment of penalties. He also noted that a new industrial lease was established for a portion of land designated for industrial use, ensuring adherence to lease conditions.
Mr. Rayawa concluded by expressing TLTB’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of landowners and emphasized the importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold in regard to ongoing legal matters. This stance reflects TLTB’s dedication to responsible management and transparent operations amidst the current scrutiny.