70 families from around Labasa today received their approval notices for 99 year lease from government.

Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya says these families have been occupying state land with no legal status and don’t enjoy the security of tenure

“They will now have a piece of mind of knowing that they and their children will have a place they can call their permanent home.”

The approval notices and leases now allows these families to access funding from mainstream banks and other financial institutions to help them build their homes as well as access to government housing grant initiatives.

The families are from Vitadra, Valebasoga Boca and Navula settlements.