Karalo Naituki has been a resident of the Fiji Muslim League squatter settlement in Nabua for over three decades. He, along with approximately a thousand other residents, is now facing the prospect of eviction following a public notice from the Fiji Muslim League announcing their intent to initiate legal proceedings to remove those who occupy their property.
Mr. Naituki reflected on his life in the settlement, stating, “I have been living here since the 1980s. My wife and I moved here looking for a better life.” Over the years, many families have settled in the area and established their lives.
As the chairman of Zone 4, which is home to more than 200 residents, he mentioned that discussions concerning potential eviction have been ongoing for years. The settlement consists of seven zones, each headed by a designated chairman. He noted that none of the chairpersons have received any formal eviction notices to date. “We often hear rumors about being evicted, but nothing has ever been confirmed,” he said, recalling incidents where authorities had allegedly marked homes for eviction but no actions were taken.
Mr. Naituki expressed concern about the impact of a potential move. “Many of us have built homes, found work, and enrolled our children in schools. Leaving would be challenging, especially since many of us relocated from villages and islands,” he emphasized.
The Fiji Muslim League’s official notice, published last Saturday, urged residents to seek independent legal advice and to begin removing their belongings from the land promptly. “The Trustees of the Fiji Muslim League wish to inform all occupants that legal eviction proceedings are commencing immediately,” the notice stated. They aim to develop the land and require cooperation from the occupants to vacate within a specified legal timeframe.
The league’s lawyers indicated that they would provide more details regarding the notice in the following days.
Despite the challenges, there remains a possibility for constructive dialogue between the residents and the Fiji Muslim League. A focus on community support and collaboration may provide avenues for a more amicable resolution for the families involved.
In summary, Karalo Naituki’s situation highlights the complexities surrounding housing rights and community stability in Fiji, as residents grapple with the uncertainty of eviction while seeking a path forward that considers their established lives and futures.
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