EDITORIAL: Life-Changing Move For Residents, Thanks To Bhindi Family

Before you get the idea that family businesses benefit only the family members involved, think again.

Successful family businesses are a win/win situation, meaning they benefit both the business and community.

One such example is the Bhindi Family the owners of K. Bhindi Brothers Limited, the funders of a squatter resettlement project.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Ai­yaz Sayed-Khaiyum and the Bhindi Family proudly an­nounced on Wednesday the relocation to Makoi of 300 families, approximately 2500 people living in the infor­mal settlements of Nanuku and Veidogo in Vatuwaqa.

The family has been working closely with the Govern­ment and the iTaukei Land Trust Board to ensure a smooth transition.

The project will entail subdividing 25 acres of land in Makoi into 300 lots that will have all the necessary infra­structure for resettlement and development.

The Bhindi Family has structured the development with individual lots which creates land leases and titles that will be given to the squatters free of charge.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum praised the Bhindi family, and said what they had done had set new standards of not just the proposed commercial and industrial developments that would take place in Vatuwaqa but also in respect of how they had been very community driven.

He noted that the development of the land would be very beneficial to the landscape of Suva and also the economy.

This monumental and significant announcement marks a new era for the squatters as they will obtain le­gal ownership of the land in Makoi.

The approximate cost of developing the site in Makoi will be in excess of $12 million.

This is the first initiative and resettlement project of its kind that attempts to improve the quality of life and living standards of the squatters.

Company director Vinod K. Bhindi said they had a modest and humble beginning.

“We are most definitely following in the philanthropic ways of Karsanji Bhindi, my late father.

“His charitable contributions throughout the years al­ways remind me that the interests of the Fijian commu­nity should always be at the forefront.

“He would be proud of our development dedicated to his memory and especially our ability to give the squat­ters a fresh start and actual ownership for the first time,” Mr Bhindi said.

The Bhindi family has set a wonderful example to those families that have the means to reach out and help others who are less fortunate. There are some among us who are on the needy list and they need help.

The difference it makes to the beneficiaries cannot be calculated in dollar terms only. It affects their emo­tional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Some have lived in the informal settlement for many years. The move is life-changing.

It is another example of both business and the commu­nity benefiting.

MARAIA VULA

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj