News

TLTB refutes landowners claim

December 19, 2018 6:02 am

Claims made by Tamavua Village landowners that their land was given without their approval [Source: Facebook/Samuela Pareti Savu]

Claims made by Tamavua Village landowners that their land was given without their approval has been strongly refuted by the I-taukei Lands Trust Board.

Speaking to FBC News TLTB set the records straight saying a transparent process was followed when giving the land for development.

Landowners decided to highlight their grievances through a silent protest in Tamavua Village yesterday,

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Village Spokesperson Kaminieli Tunisau claims that proper processes were not followed to allow development on a piece of land beside the village.

“They give our land out without our consent, so we haven’t finish our consultation, they already issued the title.”

While proving that the allegation by the landowners is not true, TLTB showed documents to FBC News which clearly shows that three consultations were held with the villagers.

The documents also show signatures of approval by the landowners.

TLTB Deputy General Manager Solomoni Nata says processes were followed before the lease was given to the developer.

“The land is outside reserve, and we have consulted the landowners three times before we process the lease.”

A ten year lease was given to Tamsville Limited, a company owned by the Chiefs and the Chiefly clan of Tamavua Village.