The Mataqali Nabukarabe has given the Water Authority of Fiji seven days to pay the outstanding amount owed to the resource owners before it closes the Nasarava Water Catchment, a move that could affect about 20,000 residents in Labasa.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Mataqali Nabukarabe spokesperson Osea Waqaninavatu says the mataqali had received $607,000 of the $1.4 million agreed to in April and had been informed that the outstanding amount would be paid within two weeks.
He says that, to date, no further payment has been received and members of the mataqali are now asking when the balance will be paid.
Waqaninavatu says they are taking this drastic step to push the Authority to pay what is rightfully owed to the resource owners.
He adds that water is a necessity and that closing the Nasarava Water Catchment would affect Labasa residents, businesses and the hospital.
The spokesperson also highlighted that the Authority has been using the Nasarava Water Catchment for 75 years without any lease agreement.
He says that before the agreement involving the Water Authority of Fiji and the iTaukei Land Trust Board, the resource owners paid for their water, but are now sourcing it free of charge.
Waqaninavatu says the payment is needed to support development projects in the village and to ensure future generations do not experience the same challenges faced by their forefathers.
He also highlighted that when they contacted the iTLTB Regional Manager North regarding the matter, they were told that directions from the Head Office in Suva were still pending.
Insert: Osea on Nabukarabe for VITI, 17th June 26
iTLTB Regional Manager North Isoa Kasainaseva says the Board acknowledges the concerns raised and is actively working towards resolving the outstanding payment.
Kasainaseva says iTLTB has been engaging with WAF and the Director of Lands on the matter and remains hopeful it will receive the necessary attention given its significance as an issue of national interest.
Earlier this year, the Mataqali Nabukarabe demanded $6 million, saying the amount reflected decades of unresolved lease issues.
In February, the resource owners accepted an offer of more than $1.4 million in compensation from the Water Authority of Fiji and the iTaukei Land Trust Board for the use of the Nasarava water source.
The mataqali confirmed that the agreed commercial terms included a premium of $765,000, compensation of $610,000 and annual land rental of $35,000.
We have also sent questions to the Water Authority of Fiji and are awaiting a response.
