Emotions ran high when 32 families at Nadovi Settlement in Cuvu, Nadroga, received their 99-year land lease titles yesterday from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Couple Aleki Tapo Mario and Alesi Tunasila could not hold back their tears after Mr Bainimarama handed-over their land lease title.

Amid tears of joy, Mrs Tunasila said: “Our prayers have been answered.

“Finally we got something to call our own.”

The couple have and lived in the settlement for 30 years.

“We have three children and five grandchildren, and we are both retired from our jobs. Today we feel so blessed, happy and emotional,” she said.

Her husband said: “Before this lease, we were always worried that anything could happen.

“This is our life and we feel so lucky. It means a lot that the Prime Minister has helped us have something for our future.” 99

Another resident Rigamoto Fulman, 56, said: “At last we know that if I’m gone tomorrow, I have left something for my kids.”

He said they had been living in the settlement since 1972 after his father retired from the Lautoka Sugar Mill.

“We had approached past governments, but nothing was done until 2012.”

He is a part-time musician and does casual work to help feed his family.

“I am very happy. This is like a Christmas treat for us. At last we have succeeded through this Government. I raised my children here and they are studying at FNU.

“We would like to thank the Prime Minister for his assistance.”

Mr Bainimarama, in his speech said: “Your struggles end today. This is a long term lease which you can pass onto your children and it’s a solid foundation”.

“It’s certainty your land. The destiny is in your hand,” he told the families.

Edited by Maikeli Seru

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