SUVA – The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources convened an External Validation Workshop on the review of the State Lands Act 1945 and the Land Use Act 2010 last Friday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Upon opening the workshop, Deputy Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr Timoci Samisoni, reminded participants that stakeholders play a vital role in shaping Fiji’s land use landscape moving forward. He emphasised that their diverse perspectives would help ensure the revised laws are grounded in reality, strategically sound, and aligned with national priorities and community needs.
Mr Samisoni highlighted that consultations were undertaken nationwide from late November last year through to last month, covering all four Divisions and engaging government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and leaseholders.
The review was conducted in collaboration with the Fiji Law Reform Commission, with findings collated by the respective part-time Commissioners for the two Acts. The Ministry has indicated its agreement with the Commission’s report and recommendations.
“Validation is critical. The review is a vital tool for coordinating efforts among government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities in delivering an inclusive future framework for land governance and land development in Fiji,” Mr Samisoni stated.
He added that legislation alone does not solve problems, and reforms must be practical and achievable.
Senior Lands Officer, Ms Lia Tavola clarified the purpose of the session.
“Currently what we are doing today is a validation workshop. This is a validation of the reports of the part-time Commissioners of the two reviews. Following the EOI appointment of our part-time Commissioners, the Ministry conducted consultations across Fiji, beginning here in Suva before travelling to the Northern and Western Divisions and returning again to Suva. We continued to receive written submissions from members of the public throughout the reviews. Today, we will be looking at the draft report as consolidated by the two Commissioners on these two reviews,” Ms Tavola highlighted.
Throughout the workshop, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has reiterated that the Land Use Act 2010, was originally introduced to improve access to land for productive purposes and to promote investment. Consultations highlighted priority areas including agriculture, food security, tourism investment, and industrial and commercial development.
The proposed way forward focuses on timely land allocation, responsible land use planning, strengthened lease enforcement, enhanced transparency, and sustainable land management practices.
The findings from the review will lay the groundwork for a strengthened legislative and policy framework, ensuring alignment with national development goals and advancing an effective, transparent and resilient land governance system for Fiji.