The i-Taukei who own majority of land in Fiji have for far too long faced the issue of being asset rich but cash poor.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says this is because the politicians in the past have politicized land ownership.

He says first ever i-Taukei Land Development marks the new era of prosperity and empowerment for the indigenous people.

“Of course in the midst of such protection and achievement, we’ve seen time and again the usual suspect in the opposition going through the same tire charade of spreading fear and spinning lies.”

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony in Yadua, Nadroga and Bainimarama says attempts are being made to deceive the i-Taukei for personal political ambitions.

“The facts speak for themselves. And the fact is not one inch of the i-Taukei’s land has lost under my Government. And today, around 91 percent of the land is owned by the i-Taukei.”

Thirteen residential lots will be developed in Yadua that cost around two point five million dollars.

The development has been funded by the government.