A backlog of more than 13,000 land surveying applications, land registrations, and lease files is overwhelming the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning & Natural Resources due to poor filling in the past, the Minister for Lands, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi has said, adding that it could take up to ten years to clear.
The backlog includes over 9,000 lease applications and land registration cases, along with more than 4,000 land surveying cases, the majority of which are in Tongatapu.
“The issue stems from filing problems in the past, so there is a significant amount of work being done to speed up the process,” the Minister said during a media briefing this week, 28 April 2026.
The Ministry currently has the capacity to complete up to 400 surveys. "At this rate, clearing the backlog of thousands of surveys could take up to ten years," the Minister said.
Under the government’s first 100-day plan the Ministry is transitioning records from paper files to digital systems, and increasing manpower to speed up land surveys.
A dispute resolution and complaints committee has also been established to handle serious cases and disputes.
In addition, a call centre has been set up, with the Minister stating that the Ministry can respond to inquiries within five days.
Three toll-free phone lines have also been introduced to make it easier for the public to follow up on or check the status of their land-related applications, as well as raise any other concerns with the Ministry.
Free toll - 7401301, 7401318, 7401320.
Emails:
- enquire [at] lands [dot] gov [dot] to
- landdispute [at] lands [dot] gov [dot] to
- complaints [at] lands [dot] gov [dot] to
