Govt Defends Freehold Land Buy Back Scheme

The Government’s decision to revive the Freehold Land Buyback Scheme has drawn strong reactions, with Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, defending the move, while the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) calls it “a shift in focus.”

Mr Vosarogo clarified that the scheme is not new, but a return of a policy first introduced in 1989.

“It’s based on a willing buyer, willing seller principle,” he said.

He said Government stepped in when freehold land owners and traditional landowners agree on a sale.

“It’s not a land grab. It’s about restoring land to its original stewards in a respectful and fair way.”

Mr Vosarogo explained that this version, dubbed “3.0,” is more focused, with 10 parcels already identified where goodwill exists between parties.

Traditional landowners would be given 30 years to repay the government interest-free, while being allowed to farm or use the land in the meantime.

Fiji Labour Party

The Fiji Labour Party isn’t convinced. In a public statement, the party urged Government to “get its priorities right,” saying the focus should be on landless citizens, including 180,000 people in 170 informal settlements across Fiji.

“Why cry poverty when unutilised land could be the solution?” the FLP questions Government

They argue the scheme risks sending the wrong signal to investors and leaves urgent issues like squatter settlements unresolved—many of which involve indigenous families lacking legal leases or basic services.

Mr Vosarogo said the scheme addressed long-standing demands from traditional landowners and encouraged productive land use, while remaining fair and voluntary.

The debate highlights a deeper issue of how to balance historical justice, investor confidence, and social equity in a nation where land remains at the heart of identity and survival.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj