City Menace: Derelict Houses Worry

Abandoned and vandalised homes attract illegal activity besides being an eyesore says Dravuni Street resident in Lautoka Joel Reddy.

Yesterday, Mr Reddy said the abandoned house near his home has been a site for criminal activity since it has been unoccupied.

“The house has been abandoned since 2022; it was previously under Khelvin Realtors, as they were looking after it because the owner had gone overseas,” Mr Reddy said.

“Shortly after that, a Kiribati family rented it for a while but when their father passed away, they moved to Suva,” he said.

Other abandoned properties include government quarters at the corner of Cakau and Vomo Street, as well as along Vomo Street

Mr Reddy said street dwellers take shelter at vacant houses soon after people moved out.

“There has been a spate of robberies in our area, young boys sniffing glue, smoke and drink would come and stay here around six to seven at night and leave in the morning,” he said.

“We know this because we would go inside and see bottles the following day.

“Police came when the house was first vacant and chased all the youth out but when they leave, the boys come back.

“The last time the police was when the wooden flat at the back caught fire. A neighbor went to check the reason for the fire and he saw two boys aged 19 or 20 sniffing glue and they lit a small fire which spread to the PVC pipe setting the fire.”

Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed receiving a report regarding the vacant Dravuni St house.

A vacant government quarters at the corner of Vomo street and Cakau Street in Lautoka on April 9, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau

“The house has been dismantled , the youths would go there and at times use it as a drinking spot but our officers also frequently check the abandoned government quarters ,” SSP Vaisewa said.

There is also concern on another vacant house in Qeleloa, Nadi that is also being used as a drinking spot for street dwellers.

SSP Vaisewa said no report had been lodged regarding the Qeleloa reisidence.

“We strongly advise home owners to advise their neighbours or the nearest police post that their house will be vacant and for them to watch out for any suspicious activity,” he said.

He issued a stern warning for those using abandoned homes to carry out illegal activities.

“Entering a private property is illegal; you can be taken to task. Respect other people’s property and don’t just walk in thinking you have access to it, whether it’s vacant or not, nobody is allowed to enter any property without the authorisation from the owner, the law is there for a reason,” he said.

A Khelvin Realtors Limited representative said the property was sold a year ago. The property transfer is being handled by Ravneet Charan lawyers.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj