Ledusasa Settlement residents celebrate historic lease titles

The Coalition Government has finally fulfilled the long-awaited wish of Kamla Wati by handing over her lease title last night.

The 72-year-old widow was one of the 77 recipients at Ledusasa Settlement in Votualevu, Nadi, who received their titles from the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) chief executive officer, Solomone Nata.

Ms Wati has been living in Ledusasa with her children for 25 years. She said the years of waiting have finally paid off.

“I want to thank the Saunaka landowners for allowing me to live on their land and establish a home for my children and me. I also thank the TLTB and the government for making this happen,” she said.

Another recipient, Farisha Khan, who also bought land in Ledusasa, shared the same sentiments.

“Finally, we have received this. I am so happy,” she added.

Mr Nalumisa said the issuance of lease titles marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration.

“This day marks the transformation of Ledusasa from an informal settlement into a recognised, dignified community,” he said.

“The journey to this day has been long and not without challenges. I thank the residents of Ledusasa for your patience, resilience, and trust throughout this process. Your commitment to building a better future for your families has been the driving force behind this achievement. Most importantly, you now have the dignity of being recognised as rightful residents, no longer informal settlers but members of a community with rights and responsibilities.”

He said since 2012, the Ministry of Housing, together with the iTaukei Land Trust Board, the Ministry of Lands, and development partners, has worked tirelessly to upgrade the settlement and secure a sustainable future for its residents.