The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has intensified its efforts to address unpaid lease rent, taking 164 cases to court in August, with a total of $483,789.38 in arrears. These cases are distributed across four regions, with the Central Eastern Region’s Suva leading in both the number of cases (19) and arrears amounting to $336,168.37. The North-Western Region, represented by Lautoka, accounts for 102 cases with arrears totaling $68,261.03, while additional cases from Labasa and Nadi are also proceeding legally.
The TLTB underscores the critical importance of timely rent payments, emphasizing its legal responsibility to collect rent to ensure that landowners receive their deserved income. The Board has issued warnings that non-compliance could result in legal actions, which may lead to the disconnection of utilities or eviction for tenants.
The TLTB’s consistent approach includes offering structured payment plans and encouraging open communication with tenants to avoid legal ramifications. This strategy, which has been employed in the past to manage significant arrears across a wide tenant base, emphasizes accountability and supports the livelihoods of landowners.
CEO Solomone Nata, along with TLTB officials, advocates for the creation of open communication channels with tenants to promote cooperative solutions. This approach balances enforcement with understanding, offering tenants the opportunity to settle their debts and maintain their leases while ensuring the financial stability of landowners.
TLTB’s strategy reflects its ongoing commitment to fairness for landowners, while also aiding tenants facing financial challenges. By promoting dialogue and providing avenues for resolution, the TLTB aims for both tenants and landowners to work collaboratively towards a prosperous community. Through continued cooperation, the Board aspires to achieve beneficial outcomes that enhance the social and economic health of the region.