The Housing Authority Inquiry Committee has gathered enough evidence to show due processes were not followed and abuse did take place.

The Inquiry Committee rounded up its last face to face consultation on Wednesday night. More than 60 people showed up at Tamavua Primary School.

Committee chair Seema Shandil said: “We had a lot of people coming today (Wednesday night) because it is a quite populated area and many are from squatter settlements.

“They have money and want to buy a house, shockingly they had lodged their applications a few years back but to date, there have been no responses,” she said.

“Their concern is that people who applied after them have been able to secure lots.

“In many instances people have come with evidence, those concerned with lot allotment had been assigned some reference numbers and also have provided documentations.”

With face to face consultations completed, the public can now send the submissions via email.

The Inquiry Committee now plans to make a report by the end of this month with recommendations that may lead to streamlined and transparent processes.

Ms Shandil said the report would be independent.

Shalen Kumar, 36, submitted the need for a more transparent process where the names of those getting allotments are publicised so those losing out don’t feel like they were still waiting.

Usa Waqabaca, 42, said it had been more than four years since he had applied.

Gaitri Prakash said her applications kept on going missing and she applied more than three times.

The Inquiry Committee was set up to gather evidence following the suspension of eight staff members involved in alleged corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, a report by the Housing Authority to the Parliamentary Select Committee shows that from 2010, 1440 lots were made available, however during this period more than 13,000 applications were made.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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