Discussions still ongoing

By PATRICIA KEAMO
LANDS Minister John Rosso says discussions are still ongoing with department heads and Central Governor Robert Agarobe regarding the underwater lease gazetted on Loloata Island.
Rosso said once they reached a resolution that would protect the landowners’ rights as well as the business rights, he would make a public statement on the issue.
Landowners in Tubusereia have filed an objection to the gazetted issue stressing that the surrounding waters and reefs have been their traditional fishing grounds and cannot be regarded as vacant land to be acquired and benefited for another party.
The island was supposed to be given back to the customary landowners after the 99-year lease period ended in 1996, however, no consultation was made between the state and landowners.
After waiting for the last 24 years, the landowners petitioned the Government last Friday demanding clarification on the acquisition of the land.
They said if the land was acquired for a public purpose, they had not received any tangible services from its use.
Rosso said just like all state leases, if they were converted back to traditional ownership that would cause disharmony and huge issues for everyone.