Despite several advisories from the Ministry of Housing, the illegal sale of houses continue to be sold inside informal settlements.

Last month two homes were advertised on social media for sale. Both homes were being sold between $30,000 and $40,000.

One was at Wailea Street in Vatuwaqa and the other in Tuirara in Nasinu.

One of the sellers of the home in Vatuwaqa said there was space at the back to construct a third flat and give it for rent.

Both sellers did not hide the fact that the homes were in informal settlements and there would be no exchange of titles or papers confirming ownership.

The practice has been going on for some time.

Wailea Street informal settlement resident Atendra Singh said his family moved into the settlement five years ago.

“We bought a house here for $15,000. It was a cash deal,” he said. 

“We know that this is not allowed under the law but this is the fastest way we can have a home.”

Another Wailea resident Tevita Tukana said he had seen a few homes in the area being sold.

“It is nothing new. People want a place to stay and if they choose to stay in the settlement it is up to them,” he said.

Ministry of Housing Permanent Secretary Sanjeeva Perera in the past has highlighted that it was illegal to sell homes inside informal settlements.

Under the law, constructions on land owned by someone else was illegal.

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