Funding limitations is one of the major challenges in filling iTaukei customary titles by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs as the process remains costly and time-consuming across Fiji’s 14 provinces.
Deputy Secretary for Operations, Paula Tione highlighted this during the Ministry’s submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs on its 2022–2023 Annual Report.
Tione also points out that population mobility is affecting the process, as many iTaukei have moved to the urban areas or overseas.
He says some mataqali now have few or no members living in their traditional villages, making it difficult to reach the consensus needed to complete appointments.
Committee member Parveen Bala also raised concerns about youth leaving their villages in search of urban lifestyles and asked what was being done to keep them in rural communities.
Tione responded that the Ministry is working to create more opportunities in villages by developing local resources and supporting community-driven initiatives.
He says the Solesolevaki Framework aims to empower villagers and improve economic prospects, but a wider government effort is needed to ensure sustainable rural livelihoods.
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