Landowners want better communication from Government

Yesterday’s dialogue between ministers and landowners was a bold move to address critical economic development ventures in provinces and effective consultations with villages.

Vitalina Duvuduvukula of Navunikabi in Namosi said such dialogue was important as they needed to save their natural resources.

“For too long, we have been on our knees, for ministers to hear our voices, our concerns,” Ms Duvuduvukula said.

“With this dialogue we are satisfied with the concerns shared surrounding consultations; we want development but it has to go through proper channel of communication.”

Ms Duvuduvukula said government agreements with investors often lead to easy gains but difficult consequences on the ground.

“There needs to be better consultations with the villagers,” she said.

The dialogue included Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu.

Another landowner from Namosi, Mareta Nayadi, said while it may be easy for the Government to welcome investment the real-life evidence that development was not working for their women and children.

Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said there was a need to walk the talk in upholding the need for people centred development.

Mr Vasu said the dialogue was a stepping stone towards creating space for land owners to express their concerns with a focus to better communication.

He said early consultation can identify potential conflicts or concerns, allowing for proactive solutions that benefit all parties involved.

“Landowners often invest in the long-term health of their land. Their participation can promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts,” Mr Vasu said.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj