Nadi Town Council’s special administrator, Prem Singh, is expressing optimism regarding urgent action from Shashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, to address the growing number of street dwellers in Nadi. Singh highlighted the necessity of collaboration among various government ministries, social welfare services, and religious organizations during a recent meeting with the Nadi Chamber of Commerce.

Singh emphasized that addressing homelessness and reducing instances of loitering requires ongoing monitoring and engagement from different government agencies, including those focusing on land, education, and the iTaukei community. This comprehensive approach is deemed essential to effectively tackle street begging and its associated social issues.

Minister Kiran acknowledged the importance of collective action from various organizations, including churches and NGOs, to support vulnerable populations. She noted that Nadi’s social welfare office deals with complex cases involving drug-related issues and family violence. Kiran recounted a troubling incident where a man was utilizing a partially blind child for begging, reinforcing the urgent need for protective measures for vulnerable individuals—children, in particular, should be safeguarded from such exploitation.

Local business owners, such as Ashfaaq Khan and Marc McElrath, have voiced concerns regarding disturbances caused by street dwellers, urging a coordinated response from authorities to create a safe environment for both the community and businesses.

The ongoing collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and community organizations represents a hopeful outlook for addressing homelessness in Nadi. Efforts to find compassionate solutions indicate a commitment to not only assist marginalized individuals but also to foster a secure environment for all residents.

In summary, the combined efforts in Nadi underscore the potential for positive change through a united approach to tackling homelessness and enhancing community well-being. This reflects a compassionate response that aims to balance the needs of the vulnerable with the interests of local enterprises.