The High Court in Suva has issued a ruling for the removal of squatters from a tract of land in Tacirua East, owned by Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. The company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, presented an affidavit to the court asserting that the individuals occupying the land have no legal right to do so.
Ridgeview Estate expressed difficulties in providing assistance to the squatters due to a lack of identifiable information about them, including their names, residency details, and occupations. Some of the squatters acknowledged that while they do not contest the ownership of the land by Ridgeview Estate since 2017, they claimed their prior occupation of the land had been authorized by representatives of the landholding mataqali. They argued that they were not notified when the land was leased to Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd.
Ultimately, Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate, ordering the squatters to vacate the premises. The ruling included instructions for the Sheriff of the Court to oversee the removal of the squatters and their belongings, including dismantling illegally connected utilities.
This situation reflects a broader challenge in addressing informal settlements within Fiji. It underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration between property owners and those in informal housing. As the court’s ruling is executed, it presents an opportunity for community engagement and support to address the needs of those affected.
In summary, the High Court has ordered squatters to leave a piece of land in Tacirua East, with concerns over their lack of identifiable information complicating the situation. This ruling brings to light ongoing issues surrounding informal settlements in Fiji and the need for cooperative solutions moving forward.
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