The controversy between the Toko tenants and iTLTB over the 999-year leases, has far reaching implications for both lease holders and freehold land owners in Fiji, says Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
"Any forced changes to lease conditions can seriously undermine investor confidence at great cost to the already sagging economy, says Mr Chaudhry .
It could also deter people from investing in agriculture, and make businesses think twice before expanding operations.
The current tussle began when the TLTB demanded that the tenants surrender their 999-year leases and take the 99-year leases it offered. The tenants have engaged a lawyer and intend to fight the issue through the courts.
Mr Chaudhry who is also general secretary of the National Farmers Union advised the tenants to remain calm and united in their stand against any forced changes to their lease conditions.
“It is very important that you stay united as you pursue this case through legal channels,” he told them when he met with the group on Sunday. Such issues are best dealt with through legal avenues.
Mr Chaudhry who grew up in Tavua, said he was saddened to see how large areas of once productive cane land around Toko and elsewhere in Tavua has reverted to bush, after leases were not renewed.
The state of the town is depressing. The Council is dysfunctional. The market is in a dilapidated condition. Roads and footpaths in a state of disrepair.
The Tavua hospital needs urgent maintenance – the toilets are in a deplorable state. Of the six slots in the mortuary only three are working.
The Dispensary is critically short of medicines, prescription drugs and other medical supplies forcing the poor to dig deep into their pockets to buy from pharmacies.
I am told that due to the influx of patients suffering from dengue fever, part of the maternity unit is used to accommodate male patients.
Such is the sorry state of affairs after 2 years of the Coalition government.
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