TLTB flags $9m unpaid rent

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has con­firmed there is nearly $9million unpaid rent, mostly from residential and agricultural leas­es.

TLTB Chief Executive Officer Solomoni Nata told the Standing Committee on Social Affairs that the board currently manages about 55,224 leases nationwide, generat­ing and distributing around $120 million, with an annual rent port­folio of approximately $55 million.

"The highest arrears are in resi­dential leases, followed by agricul­ture," Mr Nata said.

"Rent arrears are one of the key factors we consider when deciding whether a lease will be renewed or not."

While presenting TLTB's 2023 Annual Report, Mr Nata explained that failure to pay rent could di­rectly affect a tenant's chance of lease renewal, especially for agri­cultural leases.

Opposition Member of Parlia­ment Praveen Bala raised con­cerns over whether the Govern­ment should step in to help farmers struggling with unpaid rent.

In response, Mr Nata clarified that Government assistance does not cover unpaid rent.

"Government assistance is nor­mally provided during lease re­newal, mainly to help pay premi­ums," he said.

"But in terms of rent arrears, that is not something Government usually pays."

Mr Nata also revealed that TLTB has changed its approach to expir­ing leases, now informing tenants 10 years in advance, instead of five.

He added that some land may not be renewed for farming and could instead be converted into residen­tial, commercial, industrial, or tourism development, depending on landowner needs.

Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Nai­sa Tuinaceva, stressed the impor­tance of accountability and timely action, saying Parliament would closely monitor the issues raised.

"Stakeholders will be given 60 days to respond once the report is approved," Mr Tuinaceva said.

TLTB currently works with around 7747 landowning units across the country.

Welfare fund

Meanwhile, a $26.1 million wel­fare fund, money deducted from iTaukei landowners' lease income was scrutinised by the committee. Mr Nata said the fund was intend­ed to support iTaukei landowners and strengthen their long-term welfare.

However, figures shared to the committee showed that despite the fund now holding more than $26 million, only $1.1 million was dis­tributed between 2010 and 2024.

The standing committee said clearer information was needed on who qualified for assistance, how funds were accessed, and when payouts would increase.