Emotions ran high as tears, gratitude and relief marked a historic land title handover ceremony for the people of Vitogo recently, ending decades of waiting and struggle for the reversion of their ancestral land.
For 54-year-old Asaeli Sauvakulua the Turaga ni Mataqali of Tunuloa, the moment was deeply personal.
Fighting back tears as he received the land title from the Prime Minister, Mr Sauvakulua described the occasion as both emotional and historic.
“This land carries the struggles and prayers of our ancestors, the current generation is very lucky to witness this handover and finally have the opportunity to use the land,” Mr Sauvakulua said.
He reflected on years of uncertainty when the mataqali believed their hopes were gone, but perseverance kept them knocking on government doors.
“Just when we thought everything was over, we never imagined that this Government would give us assurance and show that our goals could be accomplished, today, I receive this land title on behalf of our mataqali with the deepest gratitude,” he said.
Vetaia Nabau, the Turaga ni Mataqali of Nadukuvatu, the handover was nothing short of a blessing for his vanua and people.
“This is a blessing to our land and our mataqali,” Mr Nabau personally thanked the Prime Minister for making time to hand over the lease titles.
Looking ahead, Mr Nabau said the reversion opens doors for economic empowerment, with plans already in motion to meet with mataqali members.
“We want to develop the land wisely for tourism, farming and cattle grazing, so it generates income and benefits our own people, this was only possible because the land has finally been returned to us,” Mr Nabau said.
He also acknowledged the Ministry of Lands and other government agencies for their guidance and support throughout the long-awaited process.
Tears also filled the eyes of Jone Sauqaqa, the Turaga ni Mataqali of Matarisiga, who struggled to find words as he accepted the land title from the Prime Minister.
“I have no words to fully express my heartfelt gratitude for what the government has done for the people of Vitogo, this opens a new door and a new pathway for our people. It unlocks a new chapter for our mataqali,” Mr Sauqaqa said.
The land returned is classified as Native Grant 187, covering approximately 3,177 acres. It was originally acquired in 1924 by the then-colonial government for the Lautoka Water Supply Catchment. Over time, portions of the land were no longer required for public use, leading to Cabinet approval in 1999 for its reversion to the original landowners.
The Government has encouraged the people of Vitogo to use the returned land productively, creating opportunities in agriculture, tourism, business and other sustainable ventures.
The handover stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and partnership, reflecting the Government’s commitment to fairness, respect and recognition of Indigenous landowners, and for the people of Vitogo, a long-awaited return of what was always theirs.