Residents of the Bulileka HART facility are expressing growing concerns about overcrowding and accessibility issues that have long affected this community. Mere Drau, a resident for more than 20 years, shared her frustrations, revealing that around 12 families currently share small, aging units—some with four or five individuals squeezed into a single-bedroom space.
While construction efforts are underway to add four new units, bringing the total to just 16, many residents, including Drau, believe this is far from adequate. She emphasized the pressing need for upgrades to the existing facilities, particularly as a disabled woman facing daily mobility challenges exacerbated by poor footpath conditions.
Despite these struggles, there remains a sense of hope among residents that the new units will help alleviate some of the pressures they endure. Nonetheless, there is a clear consensus that more comprehensive solutions are required to transform the HART facility into a livable environment for all inhabitants.
The difficulties faced by women at the HART facility reflect broader challenges within communities across Labasa. Many women find themselves depending on social welfare and occasional informal work due to insufficient stable employment opportunities. Drau pointed out that low educational levels among residents hinder job prospects, forcing many women to rely on dwindling welfare support to provide for their families.
In response to these challenges, the non-profit organization Aruka Fiji has initiated an entrepreneurship training program aimed at empowering women in vulnerable communities. Coordinator Inoke Drauna highlighted that the program is designed to equip women with essential skills to foster economic independence and uplift their circumstances. “It’s about helping them move from being stagnant to taking control of their future,” Drauna stated.
As this training is set to commence in Labasa soon, there is a renewed optimism that such initiatives will open doors for women like Drau, who are striving to improve their livelihoods and secure a better future for their children.
Similar housing issues have been reported in other settlements across Fiji, including Bouma, where residents face inadequate infrastructure. Advocacy efforts in Labasa highlight the necessity for better facilities and support systems, especially for victims of domestic violence. Collaborative efforts among government officials, community advocates, and non-profits are becoming increasingly evident, working towards enhancing living conditions and suggesting a hopeful future for vulnerable populations throughout the country. The focus on entrepreneurship and community empowerment signifies a positive shift toward sustainable solutions for those in need.