300 Nabua families facing eviction this Christmas
Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa, said his office was in talks with the Fiji Muslim League to explore alternative ways of addressing the issue.
Monday 18 November 2024 | 09:00
Nabua Muslim League Settlement resident and Zone 6 chairperson, Asha Bibi, with her eviction notice on December 16, 2024.
Ronald Kumar
About 300 families residing at the Muslim League Squatter Settlement in Nabua are facing eviction after they were served with eviction notices early this month.
Resident Asha Bibi, who has lived in the settlement for over 30 years, confirmed they have received eviction letters from the Fiji Muslim League.
“The letter states that we need to vacate the settlement by the end of December this year,” Ms Bibi said.
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“It is short notice, it would have been appreciated if they (Muslim League) had done some dialogue or consultation.
“It is definitely a bleak Christmas for the residents as we would be worrying about where to move,” she said.
It is definitely a bleak Christmas for the residents as we would be worrying about where to move.
Resident Asha Bibi
Between 3000 and 4000 residents living in the settlement are divided into five zones.
Ms Bibi, who runs a small canteen from her home, which has supported her family for years, expressed frustration.
“Two weeks ago, we received the eviction notices with no clear or proper communication from the authorities. Where are we supposed to go now? We have no land, nothing,” Ms Bibi said.
“They should have given us more time to prepare.”
Nowhere to go… Ainal Nisha, 59, a resident of the Nabua Muslim League Settlement.
Ronald Kumar
Another resident, Ainal Nisha, who has lived in the settlement for more than 55 years, said they have no other support or hope to turn to.
“We’re living in despair but holding onto hope,” Ms Nisha said.
“I ask Government if they could help the families who have been notified to evacuate before the end of December,” she said.
“This situation is making our lives miserable. There has been no reassurance of land being provided for us. Where else should we turn?”
Minister for Local Government and Housing, Maciu Nalumisa, said his office was in talks with the Fiji Muslim League to explore alternative ways of addressing the issue.
Mr Nalumisa said the issue had not yet formally reached their office, but that through the league, they have been attempting to engage with the families affected by the eviction notice.
“I assure the families that once we identify the next relocation site, my office will have a proper dialogue with those impacted,” Mr Nalumisa said.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
