Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694861695664.pdf (Fiji)
APPENDICES Appendix 1 Written Evidence Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources PARLIAMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER FOR LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT - 2011, 2012 & 2013 13/10/2020 1 QUESTIONS 1.

Can the Ministry of Lands explain on the significant rise in land rent arrears over the 3 years period (2011, 2012, and 2013)?

The increase in Rental Arrears could be due to the following factors: i.

Additional non-payment of leases from current lessees ii.
Increase in annual rent due to re-assessment.

Every five years, rental is re-assessed and new rent is charged accordingly.

iii.

Expired leases are being renewed and retrospective rent is charged.

This leads to annual rent being increased and backdated to the year that rental re-assessment was missed.

The longer the process of renewal, the greater the retrospective rent will be charged.

iv.

A natural disaster eg in 2012 Fiji was hit by a serious flood.

2.
2.

What measures have the Ministry taken to recover those arrears?

The following strategies were adopted by the Ministry; i.

A team was deployed to collect rental arrears; ii.

The Engagement of Project Officers; 2 iii.

Strengthen awareness program and activities where lessees were informed on their lease conditions and responsibilities; iv.

v. Site visits to lessees in the respective; and Statement Notices were issued to the lessees.

3.

What was the land rental collected in 2011, 2012 & 2013?
 2011 – $13,462,829.31  2012 – $12,382,626.79  2013 – $13,718,929.83 4.

Does the Ministry have any plans to be able to operate sustainably with so much revenue in arrears?

 The Ministry will continue to work in collaboration with our lessees to pay their rental arrears.
 As shown in the collection trend for the 3 years, payments have improved; hence the Ministry is positive and optimistic that the lessees will take ownership and pay their dues while the Ministry will continue to make more state land accessible and available for economic/social use.

This should increase government revenue.

3 5.

Can the Ministry provide the land arrears for each zoning i.e.

commercial, industrial agricultural, residential and others?
Row Labels AGRICULTURAL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL FORESHORE GARDENING GRAZING INDUSTRIAL JETTY PIPE LINES RECREATION RELIGIOUS RESIDENTIAL Arrears of Leases in 2013 Sum of RENT_DUE $5,224,643.49 $3,449,540.66 -$1,847.50 $131,497.78 $699,418.84 $22,075.62 $49,574.88 $3,524,066.88 $23,264.11 $75.03 $11,034.16 $19,238.87 $5,571,419.77 4 RIGHT OF WAY $115.00 SPECIAL TENN AT WILL TOURISM TRAMLINE $2,865,855.56 $1,673.92 $86,378.03 $301.40 Grand Total $21,678,326.50 6.
Can the Ministry provide the committee the number of agriculture leases in Fiji and the pending renewal of leases?

2013  Total 228 pending agriculture leases to be renewed  By Division - N: 45, W: 151, CE: 32 7.

The Ministry to explain the steps undertaken for the turnaround time for lease applications?

 One year before expiry of lease, the lessee is advised to apply.

 If Lessee does not apply, 6 months before expiry, Inspection is carried out – 5 days.
 Submission is prepared for DL’s Approval – 10 days.

 Upon DL’s approval, Diagram is prepared – 2 days.

 Rental assessment is done during the inspection stages.

5  Offer letter and draft lease is prepared – 5 days  Acceptance of offer letter and payment of fees – lease released for execution – 6 months’ time  Once lessee submits the lease documents it normally takes 2½ months for registration of lease subject to all requirements met at Registrar of Titles Office i.e.
discharge documents from the Bank if the bank does not wish to pursue with the mortgage or letter from Bank if they wish to pursue with the mortgage.

 Full set of probate and Court Order documents.

 Note:  For straightforward cases the timeframe may be between 3 months to 9 months depending on the time the lessee executes the offer letter and the lease documents.

8.

What is the timeframe for mortgage and transfer consent?
During the years (2011-2013), there had been no specific timeframe but consents were processed as and when received.

9.

How much money has been paid to the landowners of Nawailevu and how much is held in trust?

How have the landowners benefitted from this land deal?

6 Mineral Royalty Fair Share Bauxite export started in mid-2013 and mineral royalties were paid to the Nawailevu landowners in December 2018 after the promulgation of the Fair Share of Mineral Royalty Act in May 2018.
 Total Mineral Royalty Fair Share paid: $1.027M  Total held in Trust: $485,705 (landowners below 18 years of age) 10.

In accordance with the Ministry’s Values on “Good Governance, Integrity and Fairness, Transparency and Openness” Why the trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments were not provided for audit as required.

Qualification statement seems to contradict Qualified Audit Opinion (b) - please explain?
The True Trust Account for Lands Department was opened in year 2012 which was basically the reason why the statement of receipts and payments was not reflected in the 2011 annual financial statement.

The True Trust for Mineral Resources Department was reflected as a note in the Annual Financial Statement for year 2011 and not fully disclose as a statement of receipts and payments.

Proper reporting of True Trust was effective from year 2012.

7 11.
7 11.

2012 annual report - Can the Ministry provide updates of surveys of government stations on iTaukei land throughout the divisions?

The following government stations were surveyed in 2012 fiscal year: Nos.

Location Update Western Division 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Namarai Government Station Plan still not approve (SO 8418) Nalotawa Health Center Cuvu Health Center Scheme plan still with TLTB for vetting Scheme plan vetting at TLTB Waimacia Government Station Not yet surveyed Legalega Government Station Under requisition – SO 6155 Northern Division Naleba Youth & Sports Plan has been Approved – SO 6508 Automatic Weather Stations Plan has been Approved –SO 6588 Saqani Government Stations Plan has been Approved – SO 6582 Vunivutu Government Stations Plan has been Approved – SO 6509 Bagasau Nursing Station Plan has been Approved – SO 6555 8 6.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Seaqaqa Research Station Plan has not been Approved – SO 4388 Central/Eastern Division Raviravi Nursing station Raralevu Police Post Vunidawa Sports complex Korovisilou Health Center Not yet surveyed Survey Plan Has Been Approved Survey Plan Approved (SO6633) Not yet Surveyed.

12.

2012 annual report – P10, 11, 12 - why only a few survey plans approved by Divisions?

(DSCE 6, DSW 1, DSN 3) This is an area we tried to strengthen and improve on.
The lack of monitoring mechanism resulted in few plans being approved.

The division has devised a system where all division plans were to be prioritized when lodged for checking and approval at Plan Assessment Unit.

13.

2012 annual report, page 14 - Can the Ministry explain why only 93 plans were approved out of the 220 submitted to Director Town and Country Planning (DTCP)?

The 220 plans submitted to Director Town and Country Planning (DTCP) was to seek DTCP’s clearance.
DTCP has its own processing timeframe and not all 220 survey plan can be cleared for approval at one time.

Some plans may be 9 rejected if they find out that the developer failed to comply with some development conditions imposed when they approve the scheme plan.

The 93 plans were approved meaning that DTCP has verified the plans and it had complied with all the conditions imposed when approving the scheme plan.

14.

Can the Ministry explain why its vision keeps changing from year to year?
The vision in 2012 was reflective of management vision for that financial year.

15.

What is the Ministry’s relationship with the Department of Environment in terms of licensing approval for gravel, sand, minerals and soil extraction?

It is a mandatory requirement for any proposed development or operation within the ministry is for an Environment Impact Assessment ( EIA – EMA 2005) to be undertaken prior to granting of license and lease by the Director of Mineral Resources and Director of Lands.
The EIA approval granted by the Department of Environment has conditions which are closely monitored by the Environment Division for the ministry.

10 The ministry is also part of the EIA review committee and Environment Monitoring Committee for the development.

The ministry works closely with the Department of Environment in terms of facilitating the process to accommodate requests from the investors and public.

16.
16.

Gender – Can the Ministry provide a breakdown of number of female staff in the workforce and highlight those that are in Executive positions?

Year 2011 2012 2013 No.

of Female Total Established Positions No.

of Female in Executive Position(s) 109 111 115 435 435 435 1 – Director Land Use 1– Director Land Use 2 – Director Land Use & (Actg.)

Director Geospatial 17.

Implementation of Ministry Policies, process in place, for instance, Land Administration Standard Operating Procedures, SOP.
Were there any challenges faced by the Ministry in terms of its implementation?

Meeting timelines is always a challenge especially when one process involves various divisions within the ministry and also requires comments/approval from other government or related agencies e.g.

approval of survey plans, foreshore development and land bank initiatives.

11 Further, there had been no written or formalized SOP then to be followed by respective units/divisions along the processing line.
This has created more unclear and duplication of work among the processing line.

18.

2011 Capital project completion-The Ministry to highlight its capital projects for 2011 and whether those projects were accomplished in 2011.

Please also provide details for 2012 and 2013?

MINISTRY OF LANDS & MINERAL RESOURCES CAPITAL PROJECTS No.
Budget Submission 2011 2012 2013 Budget ($) Budget ($) Budget ($) REMARKS Department of Mineral Resources Fiji Groundwater Assessment & Development on Small Islands Fiji Groundwater Assessment & Development on Islands Large 1 2 100,000 100,000 100,000 120,000 620,000 100,000 Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.
12 National Geodetic Infrastructure of Survey Government Properties on iTaukei Land Survey of Namosi Mines Survey of Mahogany Plantations Development of State Land Maintenance of Subdivisions Existing 100,000 Mineral Investigation Total Seg 8 320,000 Purchase of Technical Equipment Total MRD 420,000 100,000 800,000 300,000 1,520,000 500,000 Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.
100,000 200,000 Project was on-going up until financial year 2019 - 2020.

1,620,000 700,000 Department of Lands & Survey 50,000 100,000 150,000 Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

100,000 200,000 200,000 100,000 285,000 285,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 400,000 1,000,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project was on-going up until 2015.


Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project is on-going till to date.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project was executed and completed in year 2011 Project was on-going up until 2015.
Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

10 11 Aerial Survey 400,000 0 0 12 Aerial Triangulation Total Seg 8 1,520,000 1,560,000 2,185,000 75,000 70,000 50,000 13 Survey Equipment 100,000 100,000 100,000 Project was on-going up until 2018 - 2019 Financial year.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.
13 Total Seg 9 500,000 Landuse Master Plan National Land Register 150,000 0 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 150,000 100,000 Land Investment Bank 2,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 14 15 16 Project is on-going till to date.

Project tittle has been renamed as Fiji Geospatial Information Project was on-going up until 2015.

Targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 were executed as planned.

Project is on-going till to date.
In 2011, a sum of $5m was being allocated however a sum of $3m was redeployed by MOE to meet Government's urgent commitment (Natural Disaster) 2,150,000 5,250,000 5,200,000 Total Seg 10 Total Lands 4,170,000 6,910,000 7,485,000 Total MLMR 4,590,000 8,530,000 8,185,000 14 Appendix 2 Supplementary Response Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources Appendix 3 Annual Report Summary Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Annual Report Summary – Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources Annual Report for 2011, 2012 and 2013 For the Standing Committee on Natural Resources Vision Mission resources resources 2011 Effective, efficient and economical in administering and facilitating the development of Fiji’s land, mineral and groundwater for sustainable socio-economic growth to is priority The Ministry’s reform implement Government’s lands, mineral and initiatives on for groundwater sustainable socio-economic growth at the national level, by 2012.
The Ministry aims to provide outstanding facilitative administrative services to its customers inclusive of both local and foreign investors.

It will invest in technology to provide high quality services and it will work within the allocated public funds while striving to generate the appropriate revenue to assist with Government’s nation-building efforts.

The Ministry’s leadership a management that recognizes the importance people.
Importantly, the Ministry aims to gain a competitive advantage by using the is dedicated and its to of 2012 Achieving Growth Socio-Economic through the Sustainable Development of Fiji’s Lands, Minerals and Groundwater Resources 2013 Lands & Minerals Our Management for Growth - Smart to invest It will investors.

The Ministry’s priority is to implement Government’s reform initiatives on land, mineral and groundwater resources for sustainable socio-economic growth at the national level, by 2012.
The Ministry aims outstanding provide administrative and facilitative services to its customers inclusive of both local and foreign in technology to provide high quality services and it will work within the allocated public funds while striving to generate the appropriate revenue to assist with Government’s nation-building efforts.

The Ministry’s is dedicated that recognizes the importance of its people.
Importantly, the Ministry aims to gain a competitive advantage by using the constructive and creative abilities and energies of its staff.
The Ministry will to a management leadership Laying the Platform;  Vigorously implement government’s reforms and policy initiatives on lands, minerals and groundwater resources  Provide outstanding administrative to our facilitate services and customers  Keeping abreast with technological changes and modern approaches to ensure timely and quality services Improving revenue collection to assist with government nation building efforts;   Embracing a corporate culture that is based on ethical and moral values  Molding team leaders and members to be agents of change  Developing a sense of societal and environmental responsibility 1 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Background Principal Activity and reward recruit, opportunity  Recruiting, developing, motivating, rewarding and retaining capable personnel through good leadership and conducive working environment contribute to the economic strength of the nation and function as a good corporate citizen.
Furthermore, the Ministry will recruit, develop, motivate, retain personnel with reward and exceptional qualities by providing excellent working conditions, superior leadership, recognition on the basis of performance, opportunity for growth, and a high degree of employment security.

constructive and creative abilities and energies of its staff.

The Ministry will contribute to the economic strength of the nation and function as a good corporate citizen.
Furthermore, the develop, Ministry will motivate, retain personnel with exceptional qualities by providing excellent working leadership, superior conditions, of basis the on recognition performance, for growth, and a high degree of employment security.

The Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources is made up of two Departments, namely the Department of Lands & Survey and the Department of Mineral Resources.
The Department of Lands & Survey is to other a service department government statutory agencies, bodies and private sectors and its functions and responsibilities are following categorized under entities:  Land Use Unit  State Land Administration  Land Survey and Development  Mapping & Land The Department of Lands & Survey - is the administration, responsible development and management of all State land activities.
Activities under this programme include Land Surveying and and Valuation, Maintenance of and Geographic Information Systems and the Land Use Unit, which coordinates the implementation of Government’s Land Reform improve socio- economic growth, focusing on equitable returns to landowners and the security of tenure for the tenants.
Functions and responsibilities of the department are The Department of Lands & Survey is the effective and responsible efficient administration, development land and management of all State Activities activities.
this include Surveying, Land programme and Valuation, Maintenance of State Land and Geographic Information Systems and additionally the Land Use Unit which coordinates implementation of Government’s Land Reform initiatives to growth improve socio-economic focusing on equitable to landowners and the security of tenure Database  Valuation  Corporate Services Development State initiatives to Development Information returns under Land the the for for 2 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Department development of Mineral The Resources oversees and facilitates development of the country’s mineral sectors and groundwater resources.
It in relation to undertakes studies geographical hazards, minerals and groundwater and manages the development of the Mining and Quarrying Sector with a the mining, mandate and petroleum Exploitation), quarries, explosives and the Continental Shelf Act.

The department consists of three the divisions which overall mining and groundwater resources.

These are namely the:  Geological Services Division  Geological Survey & Information (Exploration constitutes under Division  Mining Division the tenants.
Functions and for responsibilities are categorized under the following entities:  Land Use Unit  State Land Administration  Land Survey and Development  Geospatial Division  Valuation  Corporate Services The Department of Mineral Resources oversees and facilitates development of the country’s mineral sector and groundwater resources.
It undertakes in relation to geographical studies hazard assessment which includes earthquake and tsunami monitoring, mineral and groundwater development and manages the development of the mining and quarrying sector with a mandate under the Mining, Petroleum (Exploration and Exploitation), Quarries, Explosives and Continental shelf Acts.

The department consists of four divisions which constitutes the overall mining and groundwater resources.
These are namely the:  Geological Services Division  Geological Survey & Information Division  Mining Division further categorized under the following entities:  State Land Management Division  Land Use Unit  Land Survey Division  Geospatial Division  Land Valuation Division  Corporate Services Division It undertakes studies geographical to The Department of Mineral Resources - oversees and facilitates development of the country’s mineral and groundwater resources.
in relation hazard assessment which includes earthquake and tsunami monitoring, mineral and groundwater development and manages the development of the mining and quarrying sector with a mandate under the Mining, Petroleum (Exploration and Exploitation), Quarries, Explosives and Continental shelf Acts.

The department consists of the following divisions which the overall mining and constitutes resources.
These are groundwater namely the:  Geological Services Division  Geological Survey & Information Division  Mining Division 3 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Output Key Areas  Mineral Development There are twelve (12) Key Output Areas that are used as benchmarks to measure the performance and successful achievements of the Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources namely: 1) Portfolio Leadership Advice & Secretariat Support 2) Research Publications—Geological Survey & Database 3) Consulting Services—Groundwater Boreholes & Development 4) Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring — Geological Hazard Assessment & Earthquake Monitoring 5) Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring—Explosives, Mining & Exploration Tenements 6) Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring— Survey & Valuation 7) Client Complaint Investigations— Land Management Systems 8) Public Awareness Promotions— Mining Development Opportunities 9) Maintenance Of Land & Geographic Information System 10) Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring— Environmental Law 11) Land Management Services—Lease & Valuation & State Land Management; Land Survey & Development Organisation Structure 12) Land Reform (full details can be seen on page 5 of the 2011 annual report & page 6 of the 2012 annual report) The organisation structure can be seen on page 9 of the annual report.
Mr. Filimone Kau was the Permanent senior Secretary.

management is stated on page 23 of the annual report.

The organisation structure can be seen on page 5 of the annual report.

Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa was the Acting Permanent Secretary.

Total Established Staff: 352 Total Government Wage Earners: 83 Total Project Officers: 46 Total Attaches: 10 list of The The organisation structure can be seen on page 5 of the annual report.

Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa was the Permanent Secretary.
4 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Achievements/ Major Highlights 2011 2012  Opening of the Nawailevu Bauxite Mine in Nawailevu, Bua  Capital Projects 2011: ($120,000)  Groundwater Assessment & Development on Major - Islands Completed drilling boreholes in Macuata, Ra, Tailevu and Groundwater Monitoring for Vitilevu and Vanua Levu  Groundwater Assessment & Development Small - Islands Completed drilling boreholes at Yaqeta Primary School and Yaqeta Village in Yasawa on ($100,000)  The Land Use Unit (LUU) is a promulgation of the Land Use Decree 2010.
Highlights for the year were:  The issuing of lease to Kokomo Island resort on an island in Yaukuve, Ono, Kadavu.

 Lodgement of the Natodre Master Concept Plan (MCP) to Town & Country Planning.

The MCP focuses on sustainable development of proposed zones such as residential, industrial, civic etc.

that would meet the social obligations of the State.

This land has an optimum area of 1078.008 hectares.
 Mineral Investigation ($100,000) - Compiled three (3) Final Prospect Reports for Wainikoro-Koroiwa Prospect; Mouta Prospect and Solove Prospect  Purchase of ($100,000) Technical Equipment - Installation of Lab Equipments (Microbiology Monitors— 37mm) and chemicals from overseas few and  The Unit in partnership with Department of Environment (DoE) other a stakeholders was able to install bio-fuel and windmill at various the parts in Fiji especially The Maritime achievement by LUU in this case would be the number of leases issued under the Land Bank.
(full activities carried out by the Unit can be seen on page 7 of the annual report) region.

2013  The Lands Administration Division deals with the issuance of state land licenses.

The Division leases and consists of four (4) units strategically positioned at each divisional office namely: the Divisional Lands Office– Western, Divisional Lands Office- Northern, Divisional Lands Office- Central/Eastern and Headquarters.
 Highlights:  In line with ACP target 2013, the Division managed to surpass its annual target of 3500 by processing 4681 legal documents for the year ending 2013.

 Developing of the draft SOP for Lands Administration.

(full details can be seen on pages 6 & 7 of the annual report)  The Land Survey Division deals with the Regulation and Checking of all land surveys attended by Registered Surveyors in accordance with the Surveyor Act Cap.

260 and Surveyors Regulation.
 Highlights:  Development of State Land  Maintenance Subdivision of Existing 5 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services  Survey of Namosi Mines ($100,000) - NLC Survey of Namosi continued of ($50,000) ($100,000)  National Geodetic - Infrastructure Plan drawings for Tabia- Dreketi Controls & Galoa- to be Naboutini Controls verified  Survey Government - Stations Completed drilling boreholes at Yaqeta Primary School and Yaqeta Village in Yasawa  Development Of State Land ($300,000) Completed - Sealing of Road 2 and 3 at Subdivision, Nakorovou Wainibuku  Maintenance Existing Subdivisions - Maintenance work at Bulileka Subdivision in Vanua Levu will be completed in 2012 and completed 2 Lots at Narere (Lot 20 & 25) Bank of ($200,000) Investment ($2,000,000) - Re-deployed $3,000,000 and 75% was paid out to Mataqali Nabaramai and Mataqali Nakaubeqa—  Land for The Procedure the all  The Land Administration Division is responsible for administering all state the land dealings within Ministry.
It is one of the major the Ministry divisions within legal responsible for land documentation major administration.

achievement was:  Development of a draft State Land Administration Standard Operating (SOP) which is to be completed and implemented in 2013.

The numerous anomalies, public constraints‟ complaints and against/encountered by the Ministry throughout the years saw the Divisions initiative and drive to develop an updated SOP.
The production of this manual is therefore aimed to assist address quick this turnaround the satisfaction of our customers.
 The Control Survey Section is committed professionally to the establishment of a very precise geodetic survey datum through good the optimum use of modern survey leadership, problem time and for to Annual Report Summary 200069  Survey of Mahogany Plantations  Survey of Namosi TLC Boundaries  National Geodetic Infrastructure  Replacement Survey Equipment of (full details can be seen on pages 8 & 9 of the annual report)  The Land Valuation Division provides professional valuation expertise to and on behalf of government.
There are four main areas of valuation that the Division provides service to government and these are: Land Estate acquisition, Rental valuation, Rating valuation and Valuations for iTaukei land used for government purposes.

and  Highlights:  Staff Realignment - in order to address land management issues to be able to provide a more customer service, oriented embarked on new goal through the re-alignment of valuation staffs.
 Payment of Municipal Council Rate Arrears - The government is required to pays city/town rates to Councils for its properties within municipal boundaries: 6 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services road acquisition leading up to the Natodre lands  Aerial Triangulation ($70,000) to commence in 2012 due to weather conditions - Work  Survey Of Mahogany - ($300,000) Plantations Survey Mahogany Plantations at Galoa, Nukurua and Naboutini commenced of Use ($100,000)  Replacement Of Survey Equipment - Achieved in the 3rd Quarter, 2011  Land Programmes ($1,000,000) - Survey plans Burenitu, for lodged Navakaunu, Nakoso, Likuliku in and work progressing Nanukalou, Dedega and Vunivesi  National Register Land ($150,000) - Completed 98% of State Land Register  Aerial Survey ($400,000) - photography was Aerial continuous hampered by cloudy weather and work progress commenced Annual Report Summary 200069 trained equipment by well employees to ensure maximum return to government and the private sector.
 Surveys undertaken: 2012 Geodetic Control Survey: o Savusavu - Natewa Geodetic Controls o Tabia - Dreketi Geodetic Controls o Nabouwalu o Dreketi Secondary Controls o Galoa – Naboutini Secondary Control $3million paid to all Councils as final arrears.

(full details can be seen on pages 10 & 11 of the annual report)  The Land Use Unit was established in July of 2010 as a direct result of the promulgation of the Land Use Decree of July 2010.
Services provided by the unit include public relations services, land surveying and valuation, land conveyance services, land capability identification geospatial and information services.

o Galoa – Naboutini Geodetic  Highlights: Control and town Galoa Mahogany Survey: o Road Survey: To comply with the country planning act the access to all allotment was surveyed.

Total of 8.51km access to serve allotment 10 & 11 was surveyed during the year.
o Boundary Demarcation & Survey: following The allotment was surveyed and in plan accordance to notices to surveyor and yet to be lodge drawn was  The issue of a lease for 687.97 hectares of prime cane land within the Seaqaqa sugar cane belt to Fiji Sugar Corporation.
The Land owning unit, the members of Mataqali Devo of Natua, Macuata were paid out a premium of $220, 000 in February, 2013 as a condition of the issued lease  The issue of a Residential lease to Ministry of Local Government for the relocation of 7 households at Wailekutu Settlement  The establishment of the Land Use Unit at Manager West office 7 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 to computing office checking and approvals.
for (full details can be seen on pages 12 & 13 of the annual report) parts Survey: Namosi NLC The surveyed carried out in the year covers parts of the periphery of the Namosi/Naitasiri provincial boundary of and tikina Wainikoroiluva/Namosi boundaries.

The surveyed covers 20km total periphery chainage demarcated and surveyed.
Viwa NLC Survey: Allotments surveyed and plan drawings in progress (full details can be seen on pages 8 & 9 of the annual report)  The Divisional Surveyor Central Eastern (DSCE) office plays a critical role in the stewardship of State land related resources within its Division.

It also manages and provides submissions to Management for its highest and best use of State land whether is it residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial purposes and others.
 Work undertaken: of o Survey Nukurua Mahogany Plantation  The Geospatial Information Division performed tasks such as: o Providing efficient mapping and aerial photography services o Coordinate and implement land computerize system and the ultimate establishment of a national Spatial Data and land tenure system o Development and coordinate cadastral and land tenure system information and statistics on status and rights to land o Providing efficient o Support for the Land Reform initiative  Major Projects:  National Land Register  National Land Use Master Plan  Aerial Triangulation (full details can be seen on pages 14 & 15 of the annual report)  The Mining Division is responsible for:  Ensuring effective and efficient development of Fiji’s mineral regulatory sector through 8 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services o Maintenance of Existing Subdivision o Survey of Stations on ITaukei land o Development of State Land Government (full details can be seen on page 10 of the annual report)  The Divisional Surveyor Western (DSW) office started off with a challenging year since it was twice hit with severe flooding in all its responsible designated areas of work that is from Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Rakiraki areas.
 Work undertaken: o Surveying of State Land, State Freehold Land and I Taukei Land leased to State (Redefinition, Topographic, Engineering & cadastral) o Maintenance of Subdivisions Existing o Development of State Land o Native Lease to State (Capital Project) – 100% Completed o Naboutini Mahogany Survey (Capital Project) o Ad hoc Surveys (National Interest) – 100% completed Annual Report Summary 200069 in the framework that exists Mining Act, the Explosives Act, the Quarries Act and the Environmental Management Act, and  Gold and social reviewing  Formulating, and offering advice on policies; tenement; administer mining environmental monitoring and protection, impact assessment liaison.
production Silver decreased in 2013 when compared to 2012.

The decrease in the production in mining was due to a change methods introduced by the General Manager of Vatukoula Gold Mines ore whereby production was generated from slope mining (refer to table 7 on page 49 of the annual report for details) underground  Production also decreased because of a lack of tailing storage facility and the delay in the proposed Tailing Storage facility due to land issues.
 Bauxite mined for export increased in 2013 when compared to 2012 (refer to table 8 on page 49 of the annual report for details)  The total revenue collected from the Mines Division was $531,082.74 9 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 (full details can be seen on page 11 of the annual report) (refer to table 9 on page 50 of the annual report for details)  The Divisional Surveyor Northern (DSN) covers Surveying work provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.
 Surveying Government Stations on I Taukei Land (100% completed) of  Four (4) Maintenance of Existing Subdivision (100% completed)  Five (5) Development of Existing subdivision on State Land (full details can be seen on page 12 of the annual report)  The Fiji Land Information Section (FLIS) is a major government project designed to create a coordinated system for storing and providing „core‟ information about Land in the republic of Fiji.
In addition it is tasked with two other government projects namely the National Land Register and National Land Use Master Plan.

 The National Land Register will allow for the integration of all land information in Fiji which can facilitate effective and efficient land reform policies.

 Highlights: Exploration  The review of the Mining Act  The Eleventh (11th) draft of the and Mineral is Exploitation Decree (MEED) with the Solicitors General’s office.
The Mineral Development Technical Committee was revived to review the MEED during the year.

(full details can be seen on pages 16-18 of the annual report)  The Geological Services Division services and technical provides geological hazard information to the public and private sector.
These include, Seismology & Geo-hazards earthquakes, of (monitoring tsunamis) (refer to table 4 on page 48 of the annual report for list of Community Boreholes drilled and status) (full details can be seen on pages 19-21 of the annual report)  The role of the Geological Survey & Information Division is to provide 10 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 in  The Land Use Master Plan will identifying economic assist viability land each development type or use and in which area.
of (full details can be seen on pages 13 & 14 of the annual report)  The Mining Division is one of the major Divisions within the Ministry earmarked to rake in revenue for Government.

 In view of the divisions’ functions and deliverables on a national basis as outlined within the RDSSED1, the annual expenditure of $105,464,040.31 from 2011 – the 2012 has establishment of two (2) mines.
 According to national statistics Gold export value totalled which $101,267,577.00 exceeded the RDSSED target growth rate of 12.9%; with Silver to export value amounting $449,761.25 at a growth rate of 10.99%.
resulted in (full details can be seen on page 16 of the annual report) 1 RDSSED stands for Roadmap For Democracy And Sustainable Socio-Economic Development geoscience information to support and regulate development of mineral industrial), and (metalliferous hydrocarbon geothermal and resources within Fiji and its EEZ for the benefit of Fiji and to provide information on geohazards.
 The Geological Survey division’s major work undertaken for the year 2013 included the Viti Levu Mineral Investigation project in the Rakiraki Area (Vunitogoloa to Togovere) and on Ovalau (Lovoni).

 Two Marine Scientific Cruises were carried out in Fiji’s national waters and the Division had two staff onboard as observers.

The first was collecting bathymetric data for laying of cable from Suva to Port Vila.
The second was a Marine Scientific Cruise conducted by KIOST for mapping of Deep-Sea Minerals in their offshore tenement.

 The Division the geological/geotechnical assessment for the relocation of Narikoso Village on Ono in Kadavu and also Tukuraki Village in Ba.
assisted in (full details can be seen on pages 22 & 23 of the annual report) 11 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069  The Geological Survey Division major work undertaken for the year 2012 included the Vanua Levu Mineral Investigation project in the Macuata and Saqani area around Nubu, Tawake & Kedra.
The other major core-function of the division is the carrying out of Geo-technical foreshore assessments developments, landslide assessments and core logging for drilling for development purposes.

(full details can be seen on page 17 of the annual report) on  The Services Geological & Information Division is tasked with the responsibilities of developing groundwater resources of Fiji and providing hazard assessment and earthquake and tsunami monitoring.
geological (full details can be seen on page 18 of the annual report) 2011 $ Financial Statements Total Revenue Total Operating Expenditure Total Capital Expenditure Total Expenditure Total Receipts 16,077,421 15,308,214 1,784,422 18,673,976 Not provided 2012 $ 14,031,420 13,313,517 4,689,981 19,105,917 4,312,981 2013 $ 15,203,586 17,623,178 2,156,356 21,194,954 4,774,554 12 | P a g e PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services Annual Report Summary 200069 Auditor’s Opinion (OAG) Total Payments Net Surplus/(Deficit) 2011 Not provided Not provided 2012 3,028,560 1,284,421 3,623,604 1,150,950 2013 Qualifications The Trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments required Instruction 2010 under Finance Financial Schedule and 1 Management and Act appropriate accounting records were not provided for audit.
The Main Trust account general ledger showed a balance of $3,498,895.15 for the year ending 31 December 2011.
2004 Qualified Audit Opinion In Auditor’s opinion a) except for the matter referred to in the qualification paragraphs, the financial statements present fairly, in the accounting accordance with policies stated in Note 2, the financial performance of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the year ended 31 December 2011. b) the financial statement give the information required by the Financial Management Act 2004 in the manner so required.
Audit Opinion In Auditor’s opinion a) the financial statements present fairly, in accordance with the accounting policies stated in Note 2, the financial performance of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the year ended 31 December 2012. b) the financial statement give the information required by the Financial Management Act 2004 in the manner so required.
Audit Opinion In Auditor’s opinion a) the financial statements present fairly, the accounting in accordance with policies stated in Note 2, the financial performance of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the year ended 31 December 2013; and b) the financial statement give the information required by the Financial Management Act 2004 in the manner so required.
Without qualifying accounts, attention is drawn to the following matter: the The Ministry did not prepare a Trust Account Statement of Receipts and Payments for 2011 to substantiate the opening balance as at 1 January 2012.

The balance of $3,498,895 was obtained from the general ledger (FMIS).

Without qualifying attention is drawn to the following: the accounts, Ledger.
Section 15 of the Finance Instructions to be 2010 requires all payments recorded in the financial management (FMIS) and an information system Expenditure The Ministry prepared its Financial Statements from the FMIS without reconciling to an Expenditure Ledger as there was none maintained by the Ministry.

The Auditor obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of his 13 | P a g e Annual Report Summary 200069 knowledge and belief, were necessary for the purpose of their audit.
PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI Research and Library Services the The Auditor obtained all information and explanations which, to the best of his knowledge and belief, were necessary the purpose of their audit.

No information on Gender was provided in the annual reports.

The Auditor obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of his knowledge and belief, were necessary for the purpose of their audit.
for Gender Equality 28 September 2020 Disclaimer This Annual Report Summary was prepared to assist the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in its review of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources 2011, 2012 and 2013 Annual Reports.

This summary should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice.

Other sources and information should be consulted.


Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji will not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any person acting in reliance upon the information.

The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji accepts no responsibility for any references or links to, or the content of, information maintained by third parties.
For further information please email: Shobhna Rani on email shobna.rani@govnet.gov.fj 14 | P a g e