A total of sixty-seven cheques was given to landowners at Naibiti village in Dreketi, Bua lately as share of royalties.
Out of this number, twenty-two are owned by those below the age of 18 and therefore will be kept aside until they’ve reached above that age.
Lands Ministry Permanent Secretary, Malakai Finau has confirmed more than $79,000 was already distributed for these villagers.
He says it’s important to have the names listed in the VKB before the distribution of royalties.
”We need to consult our landowners in terms of harmonization of our records of the members registered in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula .We will also reconciling that information from the village Turaga Ni koro and information that can derived from the village prior to the disbursement of the royalties.”
This was made possible through the Fair Share of Royalties Act that was passed in parliament earlier this year.
