The government has announced plans to relocate 36 families from the Jittu squatter settlement in Raiwaqa, Suva, to modern housing facilities. Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo shared these developments during a recent announcement, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing squatter settlements located within urban areas.
According to Minister Vosarogo, this initiative reflects the broader goals of the Ministry of Lands, which aims to eradicate informal settlements from towns and cities by replacing them with adequate housing. He underscored that relocating these families to newly constructed homes is part of an ongoing effort to enhance living conditions for those residing in squatter settlements.
Mr. Vosarogo stated, “There should be no squatter settlements within town or city boundaries.” He stressed the need for relocation plans to achieve this goal and emphasized the importance of collaborating with other government ministries, including the Ministry for Housing and Local Government, to formulate an effective strategy.
Jittu Estate, currently home to over one thousand families, is set to undergo redevelopment into modern housing. Minister Vosarogo noted that while some families may have to be relocated, the primary intention remains to upgrade living conditions by providing essential services like water, electricity, and waste management.
He acknowledged the challenges involved in this process but reiterated the significance of engaging with the community. “At some point, people will need to accept that improvements are necessary. It takes time, effort, and conversation. We’ve started discussing with the residents of Jittu about the need for an upgraded standard of living.”
This initiative signifies a hopeful step toward improving the quality of life for families in the area, paving the way for a future where enhanced infrastructure and living standards become a reality. By confronting the challenges head-on and involving the community in the conversation, the government is taking a proactive approach to reshape urban living spaces for the better.
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