iTaukei landowners must be properly informed and consulted before development projects proceed, with concerns raised over how the proposed constitutional amendments will protect customary land rights and ensure land remains available for future generations.
This was raised by 20-year-old Laite Masitabua of Nasekula, Macuata, while speaking before the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill at the Suva Civic Centre.
Masitabua questioned how the proposed changes relating to consultation on land and resources would ensure affected landowners are properly informed, meaningfully consulted and given the opportunity to express their concerns before development projects proceed.
She also asked what practical improvements the proposed Section 48 of the Constitution Amendment Bill would bring to the protection of customary land ownership rights, compared with Section 28 of the current 2013 Constitution.
Masitabua says land is not just an economic resource, but is also part of the identity of iTaukei people, their habitat and something they rely on.
She questioned how people living in villages would be informed about the proposed constitutional amendments, particularly when development projects could affect their land and resources.
She asked whether the Government would arrange meetings with landowners in their villages to explain the proposed changes and allow them to discuss their concerns.
Masitabua also raised concerns about young people who move to towns for education and other opportunities, saying some end up homeless despite having land back in their villages.
She questioned why iTaukei landowners cannot lease their own land.
Insert: Masitabua on land issues 19th Oct 26
She says land belongs to the people and must be protected for future generations, stressing that decisions involving customary land must take into account the rights and interests of those who will inherit it.
