The start of the new school year took an unexpected turn for 22-year-old Bale Lesunavanua and his family, who were forced to leave their home at the Mead Rd Public Rental Board (PRB) housing complex in Nabua. The PRB issued an eviction notice after declaring the buildings structurally unsafe, prompting families to quickly seek alternative housing options before utility services would be disconnected.
Mr. Lesunavanua expressed the challenge of managing the turmoil, as his family’s electricity was cut off last week, despite having paid their bills, and only water remained connected. However, PRB general manager Timoci Naleba clarified that the board was not responsible for the power disconnection and suggested that affected residents reach out to Energy Fiji Ltd for assistance.
“The timing could not have been worse,” Mr. Lesunavanua noted, emphasizing the dual pressures of preparing for school while searching for a new home. He highlighted the particular difficulty faced by his two nephews who are entering Year 8, as the family navigated this sudden upheaval.
In the face of these challenges, the Lesunavanua family has temporarily relocated to an unoccupied house, relying on the support of relatives. After 14 years at Mead Rd, the sudden need to move has been emotionally taxing, especially for the younger members of the family adjusting to their new surroundings.
This situation underscores the broader issues of housing stability and the impact of such abrupt changes on families’ lives, especially during significant times like the start of the school year. Despite the difficulties, there remains a resilience in communities as families come together.
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