Reports Of Prostitution In Rental Flats

Minister for Housing Premila Kumar has received reports of sexual services or prostitution happening at the Public Rental Board flats.

She said that they were now looking at having security officers in some of the blocks.

Ms Kumar said surveys of the PRB flats and reports from tenants have shown that prostitution, sale of drugs, thievery and vandalism was rife in some of the flats.

“We are concerned. The PRB flats are provided to people who cannot afford affordable flats. And here we have situations where people are exploiting the situation,” she said.

“We are going to have security officers. They will be outsourced from private companies because we want accountability.”

Ms Kumar said in Vakatora Housing in Lautoka where people were paying just $5 a week, they have found that many were engaging in drinking parties.

Meanwhile, Police have also identified Nabua flats in Mead Road as a key concern not only for them by the Ministry of Housing as well.

Reports of drug sales have been received from this venue.

PRB has set up surveillance cameras to deter such acts however; the ministry is still receiving reports.

Last year, children in the Raiwai flats went on a vandalism spree where vehicles were damaged, torched and even a couch was set on fire. It was quick action by tenants that led to averting a major disaster.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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