11 Jul 2014

Fiji PM reasserts indigenous land protected

11:17 am on 11 July 2014

Fiji's Prime Minister has again attacked opposition politicians, calling them liars for claiming that indigenous land is under threat.

In a speech made while opening a culvert in Wainibuka, Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama, said that iTaukei land can never be taken away permanently and any claims to the contrary are lies.

Mr Bainimarama says his regime has closed several loopholes that had allowed politicians to convert iTaukei land to freehold land to sell.

Fiji Prime Minister, Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama in Nasau Village, Wainibuka

Fiji Prime Minister, Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama in Nasau Village, Wainibuka Photo: Fiji Ministry of Information / Facebook

He says that under the constitution his regime introduced last year, provisions are in place for land to be used for activities such as roads or airports, but that it must be returned to the traditional landowners when it is no longer needed.

Last week, the head of the Citizens Constitutional Forum, Reverend Akuila Yabaki, called for parties to clearly outline policies and address concerns about the controversial issue of land.