Residents of the Nabua Muslim League settlement in Suva are facing a challenging Christmas this year due to a 30-day notice to vacate their homes, effective Saturday, December 28. Turaga ni koro (village headman) Karalo Naituki expressed the community’s distress over the situation. Having lived in the settlement for 34 years, he lamented that they have nowhere to go and feel helpless about their future.
Naituki mentioned that relocating to their ancestral village is an option, but the practical aspects of dismantling and moving their homes pose significant challenges, particularly without financial resources. He has taken steps to seek help from the government, personally delivering a letter outlining their plight to the Prime Minister before the Parliament session concluded this year.
Anita Kumar, a long-time resident who has spent 40 years in the settlement, echoed Naituki’s sentiments. She described the emotional toll the eviction has taken on the community, asking for government assistance in finding a safe place to relocate.
This situation highlights the pressing need for support to vulnerable communities facing displacement. The government’s response will be crucial in ensuring these residents can find secure housing and maintain stability in their lives. It is a poignant reminder of how structural changes can impact community bonds and individual lives, especially during times that should be joyful, such as the holiday season.
In times of adversity, there is hope that effective communication with authorities could lead to a compassionate response, providing these residents a chance to celebrate the upcoming holidays with a renewed sense of security.
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