The Mataqali Burewaqa of Macuata has given Government consent to administrate the subdivision and leasing of land on Kia Island becoming the first landowning unit in Vanua Levu to offer to Government their land for commercial purposes in response to the promulgation of the Land Use Decree 2010.

Kia Island is off the North West coast of Labasa in Vanua Levu and is about 26 hectares or 40 to 50 acres of virgin land.

Permanent Secretary for Lands Lt Colonel Neumi Leweni said while state surveyors have yet to determine the value of the island offer, the market value of this deal is expected to range into the millions, notwithstanding the positive vibration on the local economy in Vanua Levu.

Ly Colonel Leweni said the offer by landowners a day following the promulgation of the Land Use Decree 2010 could also uncover a new activity in the tourism market totally unique to Fiji.

Lt Col Neumi Leweni said they have identified that it is a very good island for hotel and that=s specifically what the owners have mentioned to their officers.

He said the offer could see a tourism market in an exclusive island for Overseas Retirees, something that has been on the agenda of some tourism investors in Fiji.

The Ministry has now tasked its team to properly document and finalise all the processes before the project gets off the ground.

The subdivision plan for Kia Island will see 12 lots in total, one of which will be retained by the landowners for their own purpose and 11 lots for lease.


Story by: Roneel Lal