Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has handed over a cheque of $273,000 to the Mataqali of Vunilolo from the village of Nuku, Tailevu.

This came after the Mataqali leased their land under the Land Bank to allow Fiji Airports Limited to utilise the land to extend the Nausori Airport.

Bainimarama expressed his appreciation to the clan for their support and said through this partnership they are assisting Government in modernising Fiji.

Attorney General and Minister for Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum says this was a historic occasion for both parties and to allow the leasing of the land will contribute to economic activity within Nausori.

Sayed‑Khaiyum says the runaway at Nausori Airport is currently small for 737 planes that take off from Nausori and can only take limited loads however by accessing this land the runaway will now be extended to 2,100 metres.

He says this will mean that Fiji Airports Limited will use $60 million to lengthen the runaway and it will be compliant with International standards and this allows for more aircraft landing with more safety procedures in place.

Turaga ni Mataqali Josefa Rainima thanked the government for their support and said they had hope in government and it was worth the wait.

He added receiving the cheque was a blessing.