The High Court in Suva has made a significant ruling ordering that squatters be removed from a tract of land in Tacirua East owned by Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. The company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, presented an affidavit asserting that the squatters currently residing on Khalsa Rd have no legitimate claim to the property.
The court was informed that identifying the squatters and providing them with personal assistance was unfeasible due to the lack of information regarding their identities, residency, and occupations. Some of the squatters acknowledged Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd’s ownership of the land since 2017; however, they argued that their occupation of the land began prior to the leases being granted, claiming the approval of representatives of the landowning mataqali. They contended they were not notified when the land was transferred to Ridgeview Estate.
Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd and ordered the immediate eviction of the squatters. The ruling includes instructions for the Sheriff of the Court and their officers to physically clear the property and remove the squatters along with their belongings, including any unlawful connections to electricity and water services.
This situation reflects ongoing challenges regarding land rights and informal settlements in Fiji. It highlights the complex interactions between landowners and squatters, and the need for policies that balance development with the rights and needs of vulnerable populations.
This ruling, while difficult for the affected squatters, underscores the importance of clear land ownership and the legal frameworks surrounding property rights. It also creates an opportunity for local authorities to explore solutions that could prevent similar disputes in the future, such as providing better access to housing for people at risk of squatting. By focusing on collaboration between landowners and informal settlers, Fiji could foster a more sustainable approach to land and housing issues.
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