Widow begs TLTB for time to pay lease

Madhu Lata, a 65-year-old widow, desperately pleaded with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) for more time to pay the $7000 in lease rent she owes.

On Friday, the West TLTB staff delivered a court order to the frail woman, threatening her family’s home at Korovuto Settlement in Nadi due to non-payment.

For over 22 years, Ms Lata and her family have called this land home. But since the death of her husband, and with both her sons living overseas, she has been left to fend for herself, relying solely on her unemployed youngest son for support.

The lease was registered under her son, Vimlesh Singh, who is overseas, and despite her best efforts, the burden of the unpaid arrears has become too much. Struggling to make ends meet, Ms Lata rented out a few rooms of her home, but even that wasn’t enough to keep up with the growing debts.

When asked about the outstanding balance, she explained that the payments had been made directly to the mataqali (clan) landowners, but the TLTB staff had no choice but to take action.

With a heart full of hope and sorrow, Ms Lata has been granted a brief reprieve, until next Tuesday, to pay off the arrears. But even with the extra time, the stress and uncertainty of the situation weigh heavily on her heart.

TLTB said West lessees who had not cleared their arrears, would have their water and electricity supply disconnected. The next step is issuance of eviction orders from the court.

Ms Lata was also advised by the TLTB that giving the house for rent was illegal.

“I do not rely on my sons overseas for support or lease payments. Right now, I am so worried about these payments, and I don’t know what to do,” she said.

Eviction orders

The TLTB staff executed court orders to one leaseholder in Nadi and five in Lautoka.

All leaseholders with overdue rent payments have been urged to urgently clear their arrears, or risk facing the consequences.

This reminder comes as TLTB confirms that it will be taking steps next week to execute eviction orders obtained from the court.

This follows TLTB’s ongoing commitment and efforts to lawfully recover rent owed to iTaukei landowners.

TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata said the decision to proceed with executing the eviction orders was not taken lightly, but was necessary to uphold the rights of landowners who have waited far too long to receive the lease income that is rightfully theirs.

“We have exhausted all reasonable avenues, including reminders, notices, and payment plan arrangements,” Mr Nata said.

“The unfortunate reality is that continued non-compliance by certain tenants forces us to act in the best interests of landowners. These funds are critical for the livelihood, development, and well-being of the iTaukei landowners.

“As at January 1, the opening rent arrears balance stood at $31.6 million. To date, this has been reduced to $24.8m, indicating a recovery of $6.8m. This means we still have $18 million yet to be recovered for the landowners.

“The board remains fully committed to upholding fairness, transparency, and accountability in the lease management process, with a strong focus on ensuring compliance with all lease terms and conditions.”

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