Forty-eight iTaukei villages situated either inside or within 2 kilometers of municipal boundaries will now be granted the right to vote in Local Government Elections. This decision follows the government’s formal inclusion of these villages within municipal boundaries, utilizing the authority granted under Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1972.
Minister Maciu Nalumisa emphasized that this change is purely administrative and will not affect land ownership, cultural practices, or the governance of the villages. Previously, local councils provided services to some of these villages, even though they technically lay outside municipal boundaries due to their classification as part of the village reserve, which falls under the jurisdiction of iTaukei Affairs.
Importantly, Nalumisa reassured the affected villagers that they will not be subjected to municipal rates despite their newly defined status within municipal wards. “They won’t be paying municipal rates. It’s only for services, government services, government subsidy, and I want to make it clear that they won’t be paying any town rates,” he stated. The government’s objective is not to impose financial burdens but rather to ensure equity in access to services for these villages. “What we are trying to do now is ensure they have the same services as the municipal area,” he added.
This move represents a significant step toward inclusivity, ensuring that all villages within proximity to municipal areas can participate in the electoral process while receiving necessary government services without financial strain.