Six families in Vunayasi, Dratabu, in Nadi are facing displacement as they begin to dismantle their homes following eviction notices served by the landowner. The families were granted land by the late Tomasi Lala, and are now dealing with demands for their removal by his sister, the current landowner. The dispute primarily stems from allegations of illegal activities, particularly drug-related offenses, involving some tenants.
Iliesa Ranitu, a representative for the landowning clan, stated that repeated warnings regarding criminal activity have gone unheeded, leading to this drastic measure. He expressed, “It does not stop, and we have also warned them during the launching of the Vunayasi CPC where we told them if you keep on selling drugs, you will be vacated from here.” The situation worsened two weeks ago when a new 30-day notice was issued, expanding the number of families facing eviction from two to six.
Tenant Anil Kumar has remained reticent about the allegations but has indicated a willingness to resolve the issue, suggesting that they could pay rent ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, a proposal the landowners dismissed outright. One family has already begun the process of dismantling their home, with others following suit as uncertainty looms over their future. Legal advice is being sought by the families, but with no clear resolution in sight, their circumstances remain precarious.
This situation aligns with a series of similar eviction cases reported earlier this year. Responding to these ongoing housing disputes, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Seema Sharma, announced that her ministry is reviewing land agreements between landowners and tenants, indicating the potential for future interventions to address these pressing issues.
As families navigate the complexities of their situation, there remains hope that the ongoing discussions about land agreements may lead to resolutions that prioritize tenants’ rights and create a more equitable living environment. The emphasis on reviewing land agreements is a step towards enhancing security for tenants and addressing the broader concerns surrounding property rights in Fiji.
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