Chiefs protest alleged lack of consultation over roadworks for Vanuatu Rally Event

November 21, 2024 10:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Adorina Massing.

Takara Chiefs have raised a complaint against their lessee and the Vanuatu Rally Committee for allegedly failing to conduct proper consultations with the customary landowners (lessors) before digging up roads on their land for the upcoming race event.

Chief Charly Mala from Takara Village, North Efate, is disappointed with the poor negotiations between their lessee, Hans Han, a Chinese businessman residing in China, and the Rally Committee, who allegedly failed to consult the rightful lessors of the land.

“The agreement to use our land for the rally event was made between our lessee and the Vanuatu Rally Committee, but they failed to consult us as the customary landowners,” the Chief said.

Chief Mala said the lessee has breached the lease agreement, which specifies that the land should only be used for trade or business related to the sale of general merchandise and other services supporting the same.

The lease prohibits the land from being used for any noxious or offensive business or in a manner that causes annoyance to neighbouring properties.

“The (alleged) illegal operation they have undertaken breaches our contract agreement, and despite unsuccessful attempts to reach our lessee for an explanation, we will take legal action,” he said.

In response, Simeon Athy, the Community Liaison Officer for Takara, said they had met with other chiefs under the lessor agreement, Chief Kaltalua Villy and Chief Roy Tarmalo, and had agreed to use the land as part of the rally event.

“We sent invitations to the chiefs at Takara, including Chief Mala, who did not attend our meeting,” Mr. Athy explained.

“The chiefs have agreed, and we were granted permission to engage with the community and clear the road tracks for our event.”

Chief Mala said he would like to review the agreement made between the lessee and the lessor before coming to a conclusion on the matter.

“Proper consultations are needed with the rightful customary owners before any activities can be carried out,” he said.

Ms Carissa Jacobe, a member of the Rally Committee, said the tracks are on privately leased property where permission has been granted for the rally to take place.