Residents of the Nabua Muslim League settlement in Suva, Fiji, are facing a challenging holiday season as they grapple with the impending loss of their homes. Turaga ni koro (village headman) Karalo Naituki, a long-time resident, expressed that this Christmas is expected to be especially difficult, saying, “This Christmas would be a tearful one.” The community has been issued a 30-day notice to vacate the land by December 28, leaving many individuals, including Naituki, uncertain about their futures.
Naituki articulated the residents’ concerns, noting that they have limited options for relocation. “We can move to our koro (village), but we have our house here. How will we take all this?” he lamented. Many families are also facing financial hardships, making it nearly impossible to dismantle and rebuild their homes.
In an attempt to seek assistance, Naituki delivered a letter to the Prime Minister, appealing for government support to aid their relocation. Another long-time resident, Anita Kumar, echoed his sentiments, stating that the situation has overshadowed their holiday spirit, saying, “This Christmas has taken away all our joy and happiness.”
Although the circumstances are tough, there is hope that the visibility of their plight may prompt a compassionate response from the government. Community solidarity and resilience may emerge from this challenging period, encouraging support from both local and national levels. Community members remain hopeful for assistance, and the ongoing dialogue with government officials may help bring about a favorable resolution.
Summary: Residents of Nabua Muslim League settlement face eviction before Christmas, expressing sadness and uncertainty about their future. They seek government assistance for relocation, emphasizing their emotional distress during this holiday season, yet remain hopeful for a resolution.
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