Minister Vasu denies allegations of low-premium land leases in West

Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu says he is unaware of allegations that premium leases were sold to investors in the Western Division.

Mr Vasu was responding to claims made earlier this month by Vilisi Nadaku, a Fijian residing in the United States of America.

In a series of Facebook posts, Mr Nadaku alleged that the minister had been working with his business partner, Jason Zhong, to lease large areas of land in the Western Division at reduced premiums.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Vasu said he had no knowledge of the low-premium leases claimed by Mr Nadaku.

“If they are so sure, they should go to the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) about it,” Mr Vasu said.

“I don’t know anything about low premium leases. They should report it to the Police or FICAC,” he said.

“I don’t waste my time on allegations and misinformation.”

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has also rejected the allegations made in Mr Nadaku’s posts, saying he was misleading the people of Fiji.

In a statement, the TLTB said all leases issued to Grace Road followed due process, with the Wainidova matter currently before the High Court.

Questions were sent to Mr Nadaku regarding the credibility of his allegations, however, no response was received by press time in the Fiji Sun print publication last night.