Tauvegavega Residents No Longer Fear Eviction, Given Leases
The joy on their faces summed up their situation.
Families squatting on native land at Tauvegavega in Ba,will now no longer have sleepless nights fearing eviction.
Yesterday Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Parveen Kumar Bala led officials from the iTaukei Land Trust Board, Ba Town Council and land surveying consultants on a walk through 39 hectares at Tauvegavega where 900 lots were being developed.
Mr Bala has confirmed that the 350 families would be given their leases while the rest would be sold to people who do not own any land or property.
“Some residents have been staying here the past 30 to 40 years and have been given false promises and each will now be given a lease title,” Mr Bala said.
“In the past, the promises that were given were done to raise false hopes amongst the residents, most of who struggle through each day,” he said.
“When the Fiji First Government came into power, we had a meeting with the residents and told them we would subdivide the land and hand each of them their lease.
Mr Bala said new buyers with be given $5000 to purchase the land and that would come with the lease and a further assistance of $1000 to contribute towards building their homes.
“To all those in Ba who want to get a lot here, please go and register your name with the Ba Town Council.”
“Through this the lives of the people would improve and this will also lift the standard of living for their children and grandchildren.
Meanwhile sitting tenant Laisani Nawa said everytime they saw Mr Bala, they knew the days were closer to getting their leases.
“You know when we moved here we were insecure but thanks to this Government and especially Mr Bala who has always been around checking on us.”
“We are overjoyed and can now sleep better,” Ms Nawa said.
Another resident, Yunus, said he was grateful for what the Government had done for them.
“They don’t just talk they also get things done and we are so lucky,” he said.
Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola
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