Residents of the Bulileka HART facility are increasingly concerned about overcrowding and accessibility challenges, a situation that has long plagued this settlement. Mere Drau, a resident for over 20 years, spoke about the pressing issue, noting that approximately 12 families currently share small, deteriorating units, with some households of four or five people confined to a single-bedroom space.
While construction on four new units is underway, these additions will only increase the total to 16, which many residents feel is insufficient. Drau highlighted the ongoing deterioration of the buildings, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements. “The facilities need enhancements,” she stated, expressing a personal struggle with accessibility as a disabled woman who often feels confined within her living space. She noted that inadequate footpath conditions compound her challenges, making mobility a pressing concern.
Despite these issues, residents remain hopeful that the new units will alleviate some of the pressure they face. However, many, including Drau, argue that more comprehensive solutions are necessary to make the HART facility a more viable living environment for everyone.
The plight of women at the HART facility mirrors broader struggles seen within communities across Labasa. Many women find themselves relying on social welfare and occasional odd jobs to make ends meet due to a lack of stable employment opportunities. Drau emphasized that education levels among residents often limit job prospects, with many women depending on dwindling welfare assistance to support their families.
In a proactive response to these challenges, the non-profit organization Aruka Fiji has launched an entrepreneurship training program aimed at empowering women in vulnerable communities. Coordinator Inoke Drauna emphasized that the initiative is designed to equip women with skills to improve their economic independence and transform their circumstances. “It’s about helping them move from being stagnant to taking control of their future,” he explained.
As the training is set to roll out in Labasa in the upcoming weeks, there is a renewed sense of optimism that such programs will create opportunities for women like Drau, who are working hard to enhance their livelihoods and secure a better future for their children.
Similar struggles for stable living conditions have been highlighted in other settlements within Fiji, including Bouma, where residents face lacking infrastructure, and Labasa, where organizations are advocating for better facilities and support for victims of domestic violence. Government officials, community advocates, and non-profits are increasingly recognizing these interconnected challenges, working collaboratively towards improving living conditions, which signals a hopeful pathway for vulnerable populations across the country. The growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and community support initiatives marks a positive shift aimed at creating sustainable solutions for those in need.