Sugarcane farmer Mahendra Prasad has suggested for the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to enhance its surveyor services.

This was during the Minister for iTaukei Affairs visit to Waiqele Sector, Labasa on Wednesday at to address land related issues.

Mr Prasad, 59, pounced on the opportunity to seek clarification on TLTB surveyor services.

TLTB general manager estate eervices, Isoa Tuwai, said they were headed in the right direction of improving their surveyor services.

Mr Tuwai assured them that TLTB had a surveyor team at the organisation in its initial stages.

He asked for patience to prevail with TLTB committed to increase its surveyor team reach all divisions across the country.

Mr Prasad said it was a hectic experience to arrange and wait for private surveyors to conduct their duties on time.

“When we apply for a lease at TLTB, we are informed of the need to engage a surveyor, but, that takes time to secure their service and time for the survey to be fully completed,” he said.

He owns an 18-acre sugarcane farm land at Waiqele, and appreciated the landowners for giving a new lease to him back in 2007.

“If some sort of package can be arranged with TLTB to allow its surveyors to survey farm lands for us farmers,” he said.

This would in return save time and lower the cost of hiring private surveyors who take months and years to finish their job.

Sugarcane farming is part and parcel of his daily survival and livelihood and to receive approval for renewal was vital to ensure sustainability.

He is left with 12 years remaining on his lease term.

Minster understands struggles

Mr Vasu intervened and said he understood that identifying and hiring good competent surveyors remains a challenge for a majority of new farmers applying for new leases.

“We take this suggestion and we will try to ensure a competent surveyor team is based at TLTB,” he elaborated.

Story By: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj