The High Court in Suva has mandated the eviction of squatters from a piece of land in Tacirua East that belongs to Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. The director of the company, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, submitted an affidavit claiming that the individuals occupying the land on Khalsa Rd have no legal rights to do so.
The court was informed that it would be difficult for the company to provide assistance to the squatters due to a lack of information regarding their identities, residence numbers, and occupations. In defense, some squatters acknowledged the ownership of the land by Ridgeview Estate since 2017 but argued that their occupation began before the leasing agreements were formalized, claiming they had the approval of local landowning representatives and were not notified when the land was transferred to the company.
Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd, ordering the squatters to vacate the premises. The ruling includes an order for the Sheriff of the Court and law enforcement to oversee the process of safely disconnecting and removing all unlawful connections related to utilities tied to the squatter dwellings.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding land ownership and squatter rights in Fiji, where many informal settlements arise due to a variety of socio-economic factors. While this decision may bring challenges for those affected, it underscores the necessity of developing policies and support systems for informal settlements. A positive outcome could be greater awareness and action towards providing sustainable housing options for those in need, fostering community assistance, and establishing clearer pathways to legal land ownership.
Summary: The High Court of Suva ordered the eviction of squatters from land owned by Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. After a ruling in favor of the company, squatters must vacate the premises, highlighting ongoing issues of land ownership and informal settlements in Fiji.
Leave a comment