The iTaukei Land Trust Board has received $4.3 million payment for outstanding Committee of Better Utilization of Land (CBUL) rent subsidy funds to the iTaukei landowners that were due in December 2023 from the Government.
A total of $101.5 million has been paid out to the iTaukei landowners under the CBUL initiative since 2008.
TLTB says the rent subsidy will be paid to landowners by the end of the month, without TLTB deducting poundage, who had agreed to the extension of agricultural leases, including sugar cane leases, and productively cultivated by the tenants.
The Board says this payment will go some way to assisting landowners to meet the costs of preparing their children for the second school term and meet other essential needs of the families.
TLTB expresses its appreciation to Cabinet and the Minister of Agriculture, Vatimi Rayalu and to the Committee for their commitment to the landowners and to reward landowners for their selflessness and generosity in supporting the Government’s programs and initiatives for economic growth and development in Fiji through agreeing to the extension of leases and supporting the livelihood of families who rely on agricultural activities for their sustenance, maintenance, and wellbeing.
TLTB says it will continue to support Government’s initiatives in agriculture, and programs in infrastructure development, in promoting the agriculture sector and the economy.
TLTB is geared to consider expired lease renewal 10 years in advance with the involvement of tenants and landowners.
