An 83-year-old woman named Satya Wati from the Nabua Muslim League settlement in Suva expressed her distress over a recent eviction notice she received on November 28. The notice requires her and around 200 other households to vacate the land owned by the Fiji Muslim League by December 28.
Ms. Wati has lived in her home, which she grew up in, her entire life, and is now facing the unsettling thought of displacement, especially following the recent loss of her younger son. Describing the upcoming holiday season, she said it would be the hardest Christmas she has ever experienced.
She shared her feelings of helplessness and anxiety, stating that the impending eviction has caused her to fall ill and be hospitalized. “I don’t know where I will go to live at this age,” she lamented. Having spent her entire life in the Nabua settlement, she expressed deep concern about her future, as her financial situation limits her options.
Additionally, Ms. Wati pointed out the physical challenges she faces, as she relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She conveyed her frustration about the situation, feeling that, at her age and with her health, she is unable to make plans to secure a new living arrangement.
The Fiji Muslim League had previously informed residents multiple times about the necessity to vacate the land, but the reality of the eviction has brought Ms. Wati’s worries to the forefront.
This situation highlights the profound emotional, psychological, and physical impact of displacement on elderly individuals, particularly those with limited mobility and financial resources. It emphasizes the importance of community support during such trying times, especially around the holidays when many seek comfort and belonging.
While the circumstances are dire, this story serves to remind us of the resilience of individuals like Ms. Wati and the urgent need for compassionate solutions and support networks for those facing similar challenges. In times of difficulty, communities often rally together, which gives hope that Ms. Wati may find the assistance she needs.
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