The High Court of Suva has issued a ruling granting Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd the authority to remove squatters from a parcel of land in Tacirua East. The court was informed by the company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, who presented an affidavit stating that the individuals occupying the land on Khalsa Road had no legal claim to remain there.
According to the company, they faced challenges in assisting the squatters due to the lack of identifiable information about them, including their names, addresses, and occupations. Despite acknowledging Ridgeview Estate’s ownership of the land since 2017, some squatters argued that their use of the land began before the leases were issued with the consent of local landowning representatives. They contended that they were not notified when the land was transferred to Ridgeview Estate.
In a decisive ruling, Justice Savenaca Banuve sided with Ridgeview Estate, ordering the squatters to vacate the premises. The court mandated the Sheriff and his officers to facilitate the removal of the squatters and their properties. This included dismantling any electricity and water connections that were illegally established.
The situation underscores the complexities surrounding land ownership and informal settlements in Fiji. It highlights the need for clear communication and understanding between landowners and local communities to prevent such conflicts.
In light of this ruling, there is hope that a constructive dialogue may emerge between landowners and squatters to address the underlying issues of land tenure and housing security in Fiji. This could lead to more sustainable solutions for those affected by the challenges of informal settlements.
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