The newly formed Land Use Unit is now in the Northern division trying to identify more land that can be deposited in the land bank, and can be given out under 99 year lease terms.

Permanent Secretary for Lands Lt Colonel Neumi Leweni said the team will pay particular attention to agricultural leases, some of which comprise large estates.

He said most of these estates in the past had contributed significantly to the nation's economy through the agricultural sector including the copra industry and beef farming. The estates include Vunilagi, Matakunea, Qaranikula, and Waitavala, to name a few.
 
Lt Colonel Leweni said the possibility of re-establishing an agro-industry is imminent in these areas so that people can add value to agricultural products for export markets especially when Government is looking at declaring Malau as an international port of entry.

The team will pay a courtesy call to the Divisional Commissioner Northern Lt.Col Inia Seruiratu before visiting various state land on Vanua Levu including Taveuni, and having discussions with native land owners who wish to lease their land to Government under the land reform initiative.

In Macuata they will concentrate on the Bulileka, Wailevu Rara, Natabucola, Naqilini, Naleba and Lawalawa subdivisions.

Apart from Cakaudrove and Taveuni, the Land Use Unit will also assess unused land in Bua.

Story by: Vijay Narayan