The mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi Village has warned the Namosi Joint Venture that they will take over the Waisoi base camp if the $75,000 arrears are not paid by tomorrow.
Spokesperson Petero Saunivalu confirms that the rent payments were halted in June last year.
Saunivalu states that they became aware at the end of last year that the payment had been stopped.
He says they expect good faith from NJV and the Department of Mineral Resources when dealing with sensitive issues that affect many people.
He adds that if NJV does not pay the arrears by tomorrow, they will take over the camp at Waisoi.
NJV Country Manager Netava Bakaniceva says there is division within the mataqali Nabukebuke, and as a result, the SPL1420 committee approached Sireli Fa to request that the quarterly payments normally made by the company to the mataqali be frozen.
Bakaniceva says after the meeting held today, he will process the payment that was on hold, to be released tomorrow.
He adds that they sought advice from their legal team and were told to freeze the money, otherwise they could be required to pay it twice.
The country manager also states that if the SPL1420 committee submits another letter requesting the release of the funds, they will take the matter to court and allow the court to make a decision on the issue.
