A motion moved by the Opposition to direct a Parliamentary Standing Committee to review the manner in which i-Taukei land has been acquired by the state before and after the effective date of the 2013 constitution, was defeated in parliament today.
While moving the motion, Opposition MP Semesa Karavaki said that in view of the acquisition of Itaukei land by the state before the effective date in the constitution, parliament direct the standing committee to review the process.
Karavaki went on to say that i-Taukei land taken by the colonial administration should be returned.
He revealed that the former SDL government was already planning to do this.
Karavaki mentioned a case where he believes that all the state land from Laucala Beach to Kinoya should be returned to the i-Taukei landowners.
Lands Minister, Mere Vuniwaqa said i-Taukei land is well protected in the constitution and it is clearly stated that land will be returned if it is no longer in use for public purposes.
Opposition MP, Niko Nawaikula believes equal citizenry is being achieved by removing cultural institutions.
However Industry and Trade Minister, Faiyaz Koya sayid the constitution and land laws protect the Itaukei landowners and there is no need for a Parliamentary Committee to look into this matter.
26 MPs voted against the motion while 16 voted for it.
