The High Court in Suva has ruled that squatters occupying land in Tacirua East, owned by Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd, must vacate the premises. The company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, submitted an affidavit asserting that the squatters have no legal right to remain on the property.
During the court proceedings, Ridgeview Estate highlighted the challenges of providing assistance to the squatters, primarily due to the lack of identifiable information about them, including their names, addresses, and occupations.
Some squatters acknowledged Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd’s ownership of the land, which dates back to 2017, but argued that their occupation began prior to the formal leases being granted. They claimed this occupation occurred with the consent of the landowning mataqali representatives and asserted that they were not informed when the land was assigned to Ridgeview Estate.
Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate, ordering the immediate removal of the squatters. The court instructed that the Sheriff oversee the eviction process, which includes disconnecting any illegally established water and electricity connections. The Justice also authorized the involvement of police to ensure a safe and orderly removal.
This situation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding land ownership and squatting in Fiji, often involving historical claims and rights of various communities. Although the ruling may seem harsh, it emphasizes the necessity for legal framework and formal agreements regarding land use and residency to avoid such conflicts in the future.
In a hopeful light, this situation could serve as a catalyst for discussions about sustainable solutions for housing and social support for communities impacted by land disputes, encouraging the government and stakeholders to explore more cooperative approaches moving forward. Engaging the affected communities in dialogue might lead to better resolutions that address both ownership rights and the needs of vulnerable populations.
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