Lautoka Residents Live In Fear As Housing Development Takes Place

Concerned residents of Kashmir, Lautoka, have been feeling insecure in the past few months because a new housing development is taking place on a hill near their neighbourhood.

Kashmir resident, 56-year-old Mukesh said his family had lived in the area since 2006 and this was the first time development work had damaged their newly renovated home.

It is understood that the development works are carried out by Fair Deal Earth Moving Contractors Ltd.

The contractors and Lautoka City Council have told residents to submit their reports and complaints first to the council.

However, Mr Mukesh claimed he had submitted photos and a letter to the construction company and to Housing Authority of Fiji, unfortunately, no action was taken.

“The water and the mud came inside my kitchen, mud entered our home and broke the lock for our back door,” he said.

“They came to clear the mud, but we want something done immediately before our home is destroyed.”

The development site in Kashmir, Lautoka. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

The Lautoka and Ba Special Administrators acting chairperson, Beatrice Nast, urged residents to report and raise their concerns to the council first.

“So the council can act on the complain and do something about it,” she said.

The area where development is taking place and residences at Kashmir are on is a Crown Land under the Housing Authority.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj