PRB threatens utility disconnection at Nabua flats over safety risks

The Public Rental Board (PRB) has threatened to disconnect water and electricity supply to the Nabua PRB flats, raising concerns among more than 100 tenants who continue to occupy the buildings.

PRB general manager Timoci Naleba defended the board’s actions, saying the decision to restrict utilities was a safety measure, not a punishment.

“Any restriction or disconnection of electricity and water is implemented solely as a risk mitigation measure, to eliminate the heightened danger of fire, electrocution, or catastrophic injury in the event of structural failure,” Mr Naleba said.

Mr Naleba said all buildings at the Nabua flats were structurally unsafe and unfit for occupation, based on engineering and technical assessments identifying a risk of collapse.

“PRB’s actions are undertaken pursuant to its statutory obligations under the Housing Act and its duty of care to tenants, visitors, neighbouring residents, and emergency personnel,” he said.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said tenants had been given time to vacate.

“There’s still time given. Unless they vacate the place, then PRB will go in and demolish those places,” Mr Nalumisa said.

“We’ve received calls that electricity and water are to be disconnected, and they’ve been given until next week,” he said.

Mr Nalumisa said the decision was driven by safety concerns, stressing that the board could be held responsible if an incident occurred.

“If something happens tomorrow, then the responsibility is with the PRB,” he said.

“That’s why we’re encouraging them to move as early as possible. The condition of the building now is so unsafe.”

Tenants, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claim they have not received any formal written eviction notice or attended any community meetings with PRB.

They also dispute how the information was communicated, saying they feel pressured rather than supported.

One tenant said information was shared through a Viber chat group that only has 91 participants.

“The last message said they will cut off our water and electricity if we don’t move out,” the tenant said.

The tenant said most residents were low-income earners who rely solely on Government subsidies.

“I have been receiving the Government subsidy since the previous Government until now. That is the only assistance I get. We are not given any extra help to relocate, and the Government is not offering us anything else,” the resident said.

Claims were also raised that requests to relocate to the Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART) or other PRB housing estates were declined.

“They told me it’s my responsibility to go to the HART and fill out the form myself,” the tenant said.

“If I want to move to another PRB house, I have to pay all my water and electricity bills and pay another deposit.”

The tenant said the financial burden made relocation difficult.

PRB has rejected claims that tenants were not informed, stating that residents have been consulted since July 2025 through written notices, meetings, and on-site engagement.

“These measures are protective, not punitive, and are necessary to discharge PRB’s public safety obligations.”