The mataqali Saniveikau from Dakuinuku Village in Tailevu will be meeting with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Water Authority of Fiji today to discuss concerns that consent was not obtained from iTaukei landowners for the acquisition of over 400 acres of native land.
The land was leased for 99 years by the State through the Director of Lands for the water dam project in Namau, Sawakasa, Tailevu.
Mataqali representative, Manasa Duvaga says that when the dam was constructed in the early 2000s, no proper consultation was conducted with landowners before WAF began construction downstream.
Duvaga says the landowners' right to enjoy, use, and develop the remaining upstream land and native reserve is now uncertain due to the dam.
Duvaga adds that they are deeply concerned about the future availability of land for the next generation.
He also stated that no compensation has been paid for merchantable trees standing on the leased 400-plus acres.
Duvaga says the current lease rate has not been reassessed for more than a decade.
He also stated that if negotiations are not done with the authorities, the next step will be to begin clearing the remaining upstream land and native reserve, cutting trees, building homes, and constructing a farm access road.
He adds that they will also lodge a formal complaint with the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, and seek legal advice to explore possible avenues for redress.
Duvaga says their rights as indigenous custodians of the land have not been adequately protected, and they are calling for urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
WAF has confirmed they will be meeting today.
Questions have been sent to TLTB as well.
