Soloveni Masi, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) Manager North West Region, is urging members of the public to come forward if they are facing difficulties in making lease payments.

He said this was in light of financial difficulties some people may be having because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have notified people of assistance provided like for those who want deferments on their payments or stagger big payments, rent; all these things we are offering assistance and we advised them to pay in instalments if it is very difficult, especially those with arrears,” he said.

He said there were different forms of assistance based on the case

“For the new leases, a lot of which used to go to the Sugarcane Growers Fund, the payments have been staggered. They have to come forward so we can show them the types of assistance we are offering during this COVID-19 period,” he said.

Mr Masi said that there were some people who had arrears (debts) before the COVID-19 period and were using this time to further delay their payments.

“Some are using this situation to their advantage. Before the COVID-19 period, their arrears were already there. Many are regretting now because before the COVID-19 they were not bothered with payments and now they are using it as an excuse,” he said.

“There are genuine cases like unemployment and it is sad, but on the other hand we have to be careful with the landowners too because they want their money and they will be understanding during this time, but when the restrictions are lifted then they will start querying.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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