The High Court in Suva has issued a directive for squatters to vacate a parcel of land in Tacirua East, which is owned by Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd. The company’s director, Anthony Eugene Ah Koy, presented an affidavit asserting that the individuals occupying the property have no legal right to remain there.
In court proceedings, Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd expressed their inability to offer assistance to the squatters due to a lack of identification and personal information regarding those residing on the land. Some squatters acknowledged the company’s ownership of the land since 2017 but argued that their occupancy began prior to Ridgeview’s lease arrangements. They claimed to have received approval from representatives of the landowning mataqali and contended they were not duly informed when Ridgeview acquired the land.
Justice Savenaca Banuve ruled in favor of Ridgeview Estate Pte Ltd, mandating the removal of squatters from the premises. The court ordered the Sheriff and law enforcement to oversee the process, ensuring all connections to utilities such as electricity and water, which were illegally established, would be properly disconnected and dismantled.
This situation underscores the complexities surrounding land tenure and property rights in Fiji, particularly in informal settlements. While the ruling highlights the rights of property owners, it also brings attention to the challenges faced by those living in informal settlements, who may lack legal recognition and support.
In a hopeful perspective, this scenario could serve as a catalyst for more comprehensive discussions between landowners, local communities, and legal authorities on addressing the issues of informal settlements. It may inspire initiatives aimed at finding sustainable solutions to housing, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that all parties are heard in future land management planning.
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