State land makes up just 4 per cent of Fiji

State land accounts for only about 4 per cent of Fiji's total landmass, including the foreshore.

This was revealed by the Fiji Law Reform Commission Commissioner Orisi Verebalavu on Monday during the final public consultation on the review of the State Lands Act 1945 at the Suva Civic Centre.

"Take into account that today we are dealing with state land this morning, state land makes up about 4 per cent of the total landmass in Fiji, that includes also the foreshore," Mr Verebalavu said.

The consultation marked the conclusion of a nationwide series that began in December in Nausori, followed by sessions in the Northern Division including Labasa and Savusavu, and the Western Division covering Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka, and Tavua.

Mr Verebalavu welcomed all forms of feedback from the public regarding the 80-year-old legislation.

"We welcome any comments, any comments whatsoever, whether it's a compliment or criticism, whatever, that will assist us in developing this new bill for Fiji," he said.

The commissioner explained that while the Act has undergone minor amendments over the years, this review represents the most comprehensive overhaul of the legislation.

Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources Timoci Samisoni stressed the need for modern legislation that reflects current economic, social, and environmental realities.

"When the Act was enacted, most of us that are here have not been born yet. You can see there are a lot of changes that have happened from 1945 till today," Mr Samisoni said.

He stressed that state land plays a critical role in national development, encompassing housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and cultivation activities.

Written submissions are being accepted until 4pm on Friday, January 15, and can be emailed to paula.cirikiyasawa@lands.gov.fj and copied to: fijilawreformc@gmail.com and lia.tavola@lands.gov.fj.

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