“It is estimated that roughly 12-15% of Fiji’s population is living in over 182 squatter settlements around the country and further that in Suva alone it is estimated that 16.4-18% are now ‘squatters’”, said Chantelle Khan, the Director of the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA).

“The tendency for our governments and their agencies to view eviction as the only possible solution to the ‘squatter problem’ is not new. At the present time several settlements have been threatened with eviction including Muanivatu, Villa Maria and now Namara among others. Each of these settlements has 70 or more families living there”.

She adds that “While it is good that the authorities (in this case Housing Authority) have development plans for these places, we also strongly urge these authorities to approach this issue sensitively and with compassion”.

“For places such as Namara who are threatened to move out by February 19th, we would like the authorities to consider the major social implications of these forced evictions including the schools for children and employment for their parents in places like Waila B and Sasawira”.  

“These communities are not treated with much dignity; their rights are being abused by the State and as a result they feel extremely insecure. We are finding that the authorities continued focus on development, has seriously impaired their approach to this vulnerable group of people. We call on the Housing Authority and other agencies to be fair, compassionate and sensitive. Inform the people correctly, honestly and fairly and treat them with dignity”, Ms. Khan said.