Only 45% of Fijians reside in villages, while 55% live in urban areas, according to Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. Speaking at the inaugural ministerial forum on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Lami, she highlighted that over 150,000 individuals are living in informal settlements, presenting significant challenges for the government.
Tabuya pointed out that Lami is home to five informal settlements, including Qauia, which is the largest in Fiji with around 5,000 residents. She noted that despite their number, these residents continue to face challenges such as poverty and inadequate infrastructure, including electricity.
The minister also mentioned that the crime rate in these informal and squatter settlements is particularly high, especially regarding drug-related offenses, exacerbated by the prevailing poverty. She raised concerns about the lack of security and tenure for those displaced, asking, “What are we going to do about our people there who are displaced?”
Tabuya acknowledged that women in these communities bear the brunt of resolving social issues while striving to maintain stability in their households. She called into question the role of traditional leaders in addressing the needs of residents in these settlements, urging them to extend their leadership to support those living in informal squatter areas.
“I challenge the leaders,” she said, emphasizing that traditional structures remain in place within these settlements. She reiterated the importance of governance and guidance from traditional leaders, stating that the customary rules established by landholders still influence how these communities operate.