$25.3 million of unpaid rent owed to iTLTB

$25.3 million is the amount of unpaid rent owed to the i-Taukei Land Trust Board as of the 25th of last month, a drop by $6.4 million.

This was revealed by the Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu when questioned by Opposition MP Sachida Nand on the arrears of rent owed to the iTaukei Land Trust Board on rent recovery and compliance.

Vasu says the number of tenants in arrears has also fallen from 29,133 to 22,009, demonstrating significant progress over the last four months.

He says the improvement was through intensive collection efforts, including reminders, home visits and extensive media campaigns with a focus on arrears awareness.

The Minister adds that they are collaborating with employers for direct rent deduction and also pursuing legal actions for utility disconnection and eviction.

He says it is important to note that there are 12,614 residential leases currently in areas, representing approximately $9.6 million owed to landowners.

Vasu says landowners are also owed $8.4 million in agricultural lease areas, affecting 7,357 tenants.

He also cautioned tenants that their chance of lease renewal will be significantly hindered by their payment history.

The Minister says one of the major challenges faced by iTLTB is that under its current legislation, it lacks direction and power to enforce lease repayment.

He says this is often taken advantage of by the tenant, forcing the iTLTB to seek enforcement through the court, which is an expensive and time-consuming process.

Vasu says all this is due to tenants not honouring their obligations under the lease agreement for landowners to receive their rightful entitlement.

The Minister says to address these critical issues, the Ministry will be prioritising the inclusion of enforcement clauses in the upcoming review of the iTLTB Act, ensuring a fairer and more balanced system.

He adds this review will not only empower the board to more effectively manage arrears but ensure landowners receive the payment they are rightfully owed.

Vasu adds that they will also consider the needs and circumstances of tenants, aiming for a more equitable and sustainable leasing environment for all.

The Minister says they are committed to improving compliance and delivering landowners' entitlement promptly while also fostering a responsible and supportive relationship with their tenants.