The Mataqali Nabukarabe of Nakama Village in Macuata has rejected the Water Authority of Fiji’s offer of $550,000 premium over the use of the Nasarava Water Catchment.
A representative of the mataqali says WAF’s proposed offer included a $550,000 premium, $200,000 for back pay, and an annual rental of $20,000, however, members of the mataqali did not agree to the offer.
He says the group is now demanding immediate, written and time-bound commitments, including, disclosure of the official WAF lease offer and TLTB counter-offer amounts, payment of $250,000 in retrospective compensation into the Mataqali Nabukarabe Holdings Account within 14 days, and the delivery of all lease documents related to the use of their land for the water source.
The representative also says they are requesting a signed Memorandum of Agreement and formal meeting minutes that set a binding timeline for payment, lease finalization, and community benefits.
He says these documents should be emailed to the respective headquarters of all parties involved, as no formal documentation has been provided to date.
He further states that in the medium term, the mataqali is asking for an independent audit or valuation of historical water extraction revenue, and the establishment of a fair lease, rental schedule, and benefit-sharing arrangement—with a 14-day deadlines.
They are also seeking legal advice to assist with the matter.
He adds that all previous meetings with WAF have been verbal, with no written follow-ups, which is why they now insist that all communications be documented.
