Karalo Naituki, a long-term resident of the Fiji Muslim League squatter settlement in Nabua, faces the potential of eviction after more than three decades of calling this place home. With up to a thousand residents now in a precarious situation, the Fiji Muslim League has announced that they will initiate legal proceedings to remove those occupying their property.
Naituki, who moved to the settlement in the 1980s in pursuit of improved living conditions for his family, highlighted that many families have established their lives here over the years. As the chairman of Zone 4, an area housing over 200 residents, he indicated that discussions regarding eviction have been ongoing, though none of the zone chairmen have received formal eviction notices as of yet.
He recounted past instances where residents were led to believe an eviction was imminent, mentioning that once their homes were numbered in preparation for a potential move. However, those actions never culminated in an actual eviction. There were also claims about compensation of $10,000 being offered for relocation, but Naituki noted that no concrete plans have been put into action.
The challenge of uprooting their lives weighs heavily on the residents. Many have built homes, secured jobs, and enrolled their children in schools, making it difficult to envision leaving this community. Many families have migrated from villages and islands, adding to the challenge of finding new accommodation.
In an official notice released last Saturday, the Fiji Muslim League urged residents to seek independent legal advice and start removing their personal belongings from the property promptly. They emphasized their intention to develop the land, requiring cooperation from the community to vacate within the legally outlined timeline.
Legal representatives of the Fiji Muslim League, Shelvin Singh Lawyers, have indicated that further details regarding the notice will be unveiled soon.
In summary, the situation at the Nabua settlement poses a significant challenge for long-standing residents like Naituki, who have formed deep roots over the years. This case underscores broader issues of land rights and community stability, reflecting the ongoing struggles faced by many in similar circumstances. While the news may seem daunting, it opens opportunities for dialogue and potential community solutions moving forward. Residents can come together, perhaps rallying for support, advocating for their rights, and seeking partnerships that may lead to more favorable outcomes.
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