Bulitavu: Landowner Follow Long Process To Lodge Complaints

Landowners endure some of the longest processes to lodge claims when it comes to land issues, says Opposition Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu.

In his supplementary question to the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu on Wednesday in Parliament, Mr Bulitavu highlighted the need for Government to introduce a timely avenue to make it easier for landowners to lodge their land grievances.

Mr Bulitavu questioned if there's such a committee that looks after the affairs of landowner's claims on land.

"The process that landowners follow to ensure their grievances in recorded is quite lengthy;" he said.

"The process and the channel take longer to reach your office, these are concerns raised by landowners. Is there any provision to have any Settlement Committee to look at all the grievances and claims?

Mr Bulitavu said this will make lodging of complaints more convenient. He said it would also help the ministry in thoroughly investigating claims and it further avoided the 'back and forth' situation.

While responding to the concerns raised, Mr Vasu said the current "fast" process right now is through the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).

"There's about to be a review of the TLTB Act regarding the process of claims, landowners can then propose what needs to be changed."

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj