Karalo Naituki, a resident of the Fiji Muslim League squatter settlement in Nabua, has spent over three decades in his community, which hosts around a thousand residents now facing the threat of eviction. The Fiji Muslim League recently issued a public notice indicating that they are initiating legal proceedings to remove those living on their property.
Mr. Naituki, who has lived in the area since the 1980s with his wife, expressed his concern over the potential eviction. He highlighted that many families, including his own, moved to the settlement seeking better opportunities for their future. Over the years, he has become the chairman of Zone 4, which houses more than 200 residents. He noted that discussions surrounding eviction have been ongoing for years, yet no formal eviction notices have been given to any of the zone chairmen.
In the past, residents have received uncertain reports about their situation, including rumors of house numbering in preparation for eviction and discussions of potential relocation payments, but nothing has materialized. The prospect of moving is daunting for many families who have established homes, jobs, and schooling for their children after relocating from villages and islands.
In the notice released last Saturday, the Fiji Muslim League advised residents to seek independent legal counsel and to start removing their belongings from the land promptly. The organization expressed a desire to develop the land, emphasizing the need for cooperation from the current occupants for a smooth transition within the legally mandated timeframe.
In an upcoming statement, the league’s legal representation, Shelvin Singh Lawyers, is expected to provide more information regarding the notice.
This situation illustrates the complex dynamics between community stability and property rights, raising important questions about the balance between development and the well-being of long-standing residents. With this backdrop, there is hope that constructive dialogue will pave the way for a resolution that respects the needs of both the residents and the intentions of the Fiji Muslim League.
Overall, this challenging scenario may encourage local authorities and organizations to work collaboratively in finding solutions that benefit all parties involved, fostering a sense of community resilience amid adversity.
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