Native Land Commission (NLC) acting chairman, Apimeleki Tola, has urged district representatives of the Naitasiri Province to fill their vacant traditional positions.

Mr Tola emphasised the significance of these traditional roles and why they should be occupied.

This was during the Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting at Lutu Village in Wainimala, Naitasiri yesterday.

“In the province of Naitasiri, there are 22 turaga-ni-vanua, of which eight are filled, and 14 are vacant. There are 127 turaga-ni-yavusa, of which 60 are filled, and 67 are vacant. There are 460 Turaga-ni-mataqali, of which 224 have been filled, and 236 remain vacant,” Mr Tola said.

Traditional roles
“Regarding the traditional roles in the province, which include turaga-ni-vanua, turaga-ni-yavusa, and turaga-ni-mataqali, there are 609 positions in total. Out of these, 292 are filled, and 317 remain vacant.

“By saying a position is vacant, I don’t mean there is no one in that role. It simply means that the proper protocols have not been followed to confirm the person in that position.

“I hope that the provincial council will provide guidance on the necessary forms to be filled out. This will ensure that proper protocols are followed to confirm individuals in their respective positions. It’s crucial for all traditional roles to be occupied.

“It’s essential to ensure that positions are filled, allowing the relevant voices to be heard. Government’s efforts in developing a province will be futile if its leadership is not up to par.

“We have visited various provinces and consistently reminded them of the significance of traditional leadership. Everyone has a role to play in matters concerning the vanua. Effective leadership is achieved when everyone contributes.”

Story By: WATI TALEBULA-NUKU

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj