A 30-Year Wait Ends for Mataqali Savunivonu

An emotional milestone was reached yesterday for the families of Mataqali Savunivonu of Matakunea Settlement in Navatu, Cakaudrove, as they formally received their land title from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

After nearly 30 years of repayment under the Government’s Buyback Scheme, the Mataqali has secured full ownership of 56 acres of ancestral land that had previously been alienated.

Prime Minister Rabuka commended the landowning unit for their discipline and unity, noting that they are one of eleven landowning units to have successfully repaid their government debt — and did so two years ahead of schedule.

“This achievement shows what coordination, cooperation and unity can accomplish,” he said, urging members to plan strategically for future generations and maximise the land for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.

The Government has also allocated $56,000 in the 2026/2027 National Budget for preparatory works through the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests. Discussions are underway to establish an ice plant, training facilities and a research centre to support aquaculture and mariculture development around Natewa Bay.

For the people of Matakunea, however, the occasion was deeply personal.

Village headman Jone Cakova Naitini said the community contributed about $140,000 over the years — through the sale of copra, root crops and other farm produce — to reclaim their land.

“For almost three decades, we carried this responsibility together as one family. This title is not just a piece of paper — it represents our identity, our security and the future of our children,” he said.