Tabuya wants iTaukei landowners to be consulted rather than the Roko Tui

SODELPA MP, Lynda Tabuya says there has not been adequate consultation with stakeholders for the final draft of the bill to make changes to the Town and Country Planning Act of 1946 and Subdivision Act of 1937 and that there has been no consultation with indigenous landowners.

She made these comments while responding to the ministerial statement of Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar who told parliament that the Town and Country Planning Act 1946 and Subdivision Act of 1937 are no longer serving our interest.

Kumar told parliament that following cabinet approval, the Ministry carried out the review of the town planning laws and a draft was produced.

She says they then took this draft for public consultations with the i-taukei communities in 12 provinces.

Kumar adds the proposed bill is currently in its final draft after the completion of stakeholder consultation with relevant government departments, municipal councils, engineers and surveyors, Chambers of Commerce, Roko Tui of provinces and developers such as tourism association.

She adds the town planning provisions have been changed to ensure there is no delay in approval process.

Kumar says this has been done to remove frustration which is normally faced by developers and the land should be utilised to its maximum. While Kumar says the Roko Tui have been consulted, Tabuya maintained the lack of consultation with iTaukei landowners is concerning.