Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, plans open consultations with landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi to address issues surrounding the Mt Kasi Gold Mine. Despite landowners’ preference for a different contractor, the government will retain the current one. Mr. Vosarogo emphasizes the importance of dialogue to resolve conflicts regarding a special prospecting license opposed by local landowners.
The Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr. Filimoni Vosarogo, has announced plans for open consultations with landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi, scheduled to take place by the end of this month. This initiative seeks to address pertinent issues related to government relations with the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi. Mr. Vosarogo reaffirmed the government’s decision to retain the current contractor at Mt Kasi, despite the landowners’ preferences, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to resolve disputes.
During these consultations, Mr. Vosarogo expressed his commitment to informing landowners about the processes that will ensue, describing the meetings as an open consultative process. He also plans to engage in discussions with the mataqali Nabukebuke concerning their strong opposition to the issuance of a special prospecting license (SPL). Mr. Vosarogo advocates for a platform for open dialogue, acknowledging the concerns of landowners and aiming to clarify the regulatory framework that governs these issues.
The minister remarked on the necessity of consultation, stating the government’s role is to listen to landowners’ fears and provide adequate responses. He emphasized that addressing such concerns is vital for generating jobs and sustaining income streams. Thus, the consultations represent a critical step towards fostering a transparent and collaborative relationship between the government and the affected landowners.
The consultation initiative led by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr. Filimoni Vosarogo, is a response to ongoing conflicts and concerns raised by landowners regarding mining and land use policies in Fiji. The Mt Kasi Gold Mine has been a focal point of contention between the government and local landowning units. The partnership dynamics, especially regarding the contractor’s continued presence despite local opposition, underline the complexities involved in managing natural resource exploitation while respecting indigenous land rights. The upcoming consultations aim to alleviate tensions and seek mutual understanding among stakeholders.
In conclusion, Minister Filimoni Vosarogo’s planned consultations with landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi are a proactive approach to addressing conflicts surrounding the Mt Kasi Gold Mine and the issuance of a special prospecting license. By fostering open dialogue, the government aims to resolve landowners’ concerns, clarify regulatory processes, and ultimately ensure sustainable development through the creation of jobs and income opportunities. The effectiveness of these consultations will depend on the government’s willingness to genuinely consider and respond to the landowners’ fears and objections.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
