The High Court in Suva has issued a ruling instructing the removal of squatters from a piece of land in Tacirua East that belongs to Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. The company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, filed a court affidavit asserting that the individuals occupying the land have no legal right to stay.
Ridgeview Estate informed the court that it was unable to offer assistance to the squatters due to a lack of identifiable information regarding their identities, residency, and occupations. In defense, some squatters acknowledged the ownership of the land by Ridgeview Estate since 2017 but contended that their occupation predated this ownership. They claimed that they had the consent of the landowning mataqali’s representatives and were not notified of the land transfer to Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd.
Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate, ordering the squatters to vacate the premises. The court directed that the Sheriff and their officers be responsible for clearing the land and ensuring the removal of the squatters, their families, and any associated structures and utilities that were connected illegally.
To facilitate this operation, the Sheriff is also authorized to seek police assistance to oversee the safe disconnection and removal of all illegally connected utilities related to the squatters’ dwellings.
In a hopeful light, while this ruling signals a significant challenge for those affected, it could also pave the way for future arrangements that ensure fair and sustainable living conditions. There is potential for dialogue between developers, local authorities, and the community to find a solution that respects both property rights and the needs of vulnerable populations.
This situation exemplifies the ongoing complexities surrounding land ownership and informal settlements, highlighting the need for comprehensive urban planning and policy reform in Fiji.
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