Residents of the Kilikali settlement in Nasinu are facing an urgent situation as they anticipate eviction within the next two weeks. The looming threat of displacement has left many residents, including Milio Nakorovulu, who has lived in the area for 45 years, feeling anxious about their future and the stability of their families, especially regarding their children’s education.
The eviction notice was issued by Sherani & Co. on behalf of landowner RB Patel Group Limited, branding the residents’ occupancy as “unlawful and illegal”. Over 60 homes are affected by this decision, impacting numerous families who now face the uncertainty of relocation. “We’re just looking for our location where to go. They just give us notice to evacuate,” Nakorovulu lamented, emphasizing the distressful predicament of being left without a clear plan or alternative housing.
Despite an assessment carried out by the Ministry of Housing officials last week, the residents report a lack of communication regarding relocation options. Minister Maciu Nalumisa previously pledged support, indicating that findings from recent assessments would be presented to Cabinet.
The concern for the future, particularly regarding the potential disruption of children’s education if families are unable to relocate smoothly, is a shared sentiment among those affected. Yet, amid the anxiety, Nakorovulu remains hopeful that the government will step in to provide assistance.
This situation resonates with similar challenges faced by other communities in Fiji, such as residents of the Muslim League Squatter Settlement in Nabua, who recently received eviction notices, leading to widespread anxiety about their future and calls for government intervention. Like those in Kilikali, residents of Nabua have expressed concerns regarding short notice for relocation and the distress it causes, particularly as they prepare for a challenging holiday season without clarity on their living situations.
Overall, while the situation remains tense for the residents as they await government action, their resilience and hope for support from authorities encapsulate the struggle for stability in vulnerable communities across Fiji. The outcome hinges on effective engagement and solutions that prioritize the welfare of these families, reflecting a collective need for stability in the face of uncertainty.
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