Govt offers relocation support for Nabua PRB tenants facing eviction

The Ministry of Housing is working with the Public Rental Board (PRB) to relocate tenants affected by the redevelopment of the PRB flats in Nabua, despite a court order requiring residents to vacate the property.

Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa said tenants had been offered several relocation options, including moving into vacant PRB flats elsewhere in Suva.

He said affected families could also access the Ministry's relocation and resettlement programme, which is assisting households facing eviction from informal settlements in Suva as well as remaining PRB tenants.

"By now, all the flats should have been vacated," Mr Nalumisa said.

"However, some tenants do not have other housing options, while others face financial difficulties meeting relocation costs. These are issues we are trying to address as part of the relocation plan."

He said some tenants had also explored opportunities with the Housing Authority, including purchasing residential lots and model homes.

While some of the 144 tenants have already moved out, others remain at the complex.

"These are the families we are working with alongside the PRB to determine the best way we can assist them."

Mr Nalumisa acknowledged that although the court had issued an eviction order, humanitarian considerations remained a priority.

"The court has already given an order, but we still have to be humane.

"Some families do not have other means of support, and some do not have permanent employment. These are matters we need to consider as we look at how the Ministry and the PRB can continue to assist them."

He said discussions with the landowners, the Bindi brothers, had resulted in additional time being granted to enable the Government to relocate the remaining families.

The relocation programme will also assist families living in informal settlements, including those in Vatuwaqa and other areas that have received eviction notices.

Mr Nalumisa said the ministry had already acquired one parcel of land and was in the process of purchasing another greenfield site for future housing developments to accommodate affected families.