Minister Filimoni Vosarogo will consult landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi before the end of the month to discuss issues regarding the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and concerns over a special prospecting license. He emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve these matters despite existing opposition.
The Honorable Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, has announced his upcoming consultations with landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi, scheduled to take place before the end of the month. These discussions aim to address critical matters concerning the government’s decisions regarding the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi. Mr. Vosarogo affirmed the government’s commitment to engaging in dialogue with landowners to resolve these persistent issues.
Addressing concerns about the government’s choice to continue with the current contractor at the Mt Kasi Gold Mine, despite landowners’ preferences for an alternative company, Mr. Vosarogo maintained the government’s position. He expressed his intent to visit landowners, stating, “The Government has made its decision, and before I have spoken to the landowners last year, I will be visiting them before the end of the month.” This visit aims to clarify the processes that will follow these open consultations.
Furthermore, Mr. Vosarogo revealed his plans to discuss the contentious special prospecting license (SPL) issue with the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi, who have expressed strong opposition. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the landowners’ concerns, stating, “Like I always say, these things need to be discussed and be part of a dialogue; they’ve been very strong in the opposition of the SPL being renewed.” He underscored the government’s role in engaging landowners, addressing their fears, and ensuring that a structured process is followed to create jobs and generate sustainable income.
The context of this article revolves around the government’s management of land and mineral resources in Fiji, specifically focusing on the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and the rights and preferences of local landowners. The government is faced with ongoing tensions between its development objectives and the concerns of indigenous landowners, particularly surrounding the continuation of a particular contractor and the issuance of special prospecting licenses. This situation exemplifies the broader challenges of balancing economic development with respect for landowner rights in resource-rich regions.
In conclusion, Minister Filimoni Vosarogo is proactively seeking to engage with landowners to address their concerns regarding the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and the opposition to the issuance of the special prospecting license by the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi. By facilitating open consultations, the government aims to foster dialogue, clarify processes, and work towards sustainable solutions that can benefit both the economy and the local communities.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
