Hon. Minister for Lands into his 4th day of his Northern tour, Saturday 13th June 2020, handed over a cheque payment of $25,500 to Mataqali Volivoli of the Yavusa Ketei in the district of Nasavusavu, Cakaudrove.

This payment is for the premium and rental for Lot 1 of the 14 agricultural lots, 38.8795 hectares of arable land that was deposited by the Mataqali Volivoli with the Land Bank.

Hon. Minister, Jone Usamate commended the Landowning Unit for their support, trust and dedication to work in collaboration with the government’s land reform programme initiative. He added that this will boost agricultural activity and address food security challenges for Fiji.

Additionally, he confirmed that to date, there are six agricultural lots have premiums and rentals settled whilst an additional four are being processed with progressive payments to be paid out in due time.

“As a land parcel administered under the Land Use Act – 100% of the premium and rental is paid out as stipulated under the Act. At this point, I wish to emphasize that the payment of premiums and rentals to Mataqali Volivoli affirms that the tenure of the deposited 38.8795 hectares is and will continue to be ITaukei Land as mandated by Section 28 of the Constitution of Fiji,” he added.

In conclusion, Hon. Minister advised members of Mataqali Volivoli to utilize the funds reasonably.