Government Explores Solutions to Momi Bay Issue

FIJI NEWS

8/1/20261 min read

The Coalition Government says it is committed to facilitating dialogue on the longstanding Momi Bay land issue, acknowledging both the concerns of traditional landowners and the need to protect significant national investments.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo said the concerns raised by the traditional landowners regarding the 2005 land swap associated with the Momi Bay tourism development would be approached responsibly and in good faith.

Mr Vosarogo said the land exchange was undertaken to facilitate a major tourism development project and was later formalised under the Momi Bay Development law in 2010. He noted that the issue had since become politicised and that the Coalition Government was committed to approaching the matter with fairness, transparency and respect for all parties involved.

He said the Government recognised the deep cultural and traditional significance of the land to its owners, while also acknowledging the substantial commercial interests involved, including the Fiji National Provident Fund's investment in the project and the importance of the tourism development to Fiji's economy.

Mr Vosarogo said the 2013 Constitution had created a legal framework that effectively prevented the reversal of the land swap to restore the freehold land to its traditional owners in the manner previously anticipated.

He said this constitutional reality must be respected while Government worked towards practical and amicable solutions.

"As a government, we are committed to finding the right balance. We will not ignore the legitimate concerns of our traditional landowners, nor will we undermine important commercial investments that benefit all Fijians, including through the FNPF," Mr Vosarogo said.

The Minister urged the traditional landowners, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and the Fiji National Provident Fund to engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue, with the Ministry of Lands facilitating discussions aimed at an amicable outcome.

He said the process would seek to honour customary rights, address historical grievances where possible and ensure the sustainable development of Momi Bay for the benefit of current and future generations.

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