Residents of a six-flat commercial property in Lajonia, Labasa, are facing significant hardships as they lack basic services and live in fear for their safety. Sova Tauyavu, a spokesperson for the tenants, revealed that six families, including children, have been without adequate water for ten months. The situation is dire; missing flooring and substandard facilities compromise the safety of the occupants, despite each family paying $250 a month in rent.
Tauyavu expressed the gravity of their predicament, stating, “Water is a basic need for us, and not having it has been a big challenge. We all have children, students, and people who wake up early for work.” He further noted that the lack of a proper electrical setup exacerbates their troubles; all six flats share a single meter box, which trips frequently when multiple strong electrical appliances are in use. This creates a fire hazard that poses a serious risk to the residents.
In response to the grievances, landlord Bobby Lal shifted the blame onto the tenants, asserting that they have damaged the plumbing and refuse to contribute to repair costs. “Receiving water is an issue because they have damaged the connection pipes. I have been asking them to pay for the repair costs, but they are not,” Lal explained. He emphasized that while a single water meter connects all rental areas, it remains a challenge to ensure adequate supply.
Recently, officials from the Ministry of Health and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission visited the site to inspect the living conditions. Their investigation could lead to significant consequences, as a 30-day eviction notice has already been issued, leaving families anxious about their future.
As they await assessments from Energy Fiji Limited, the Water Authority of Fiji, and other regulatory bodies, residents hope for a resolution that will restore their access to essential services and ensure a safe living environment. Local authorities are expected to determine if there have been serious breaches of housing standards or regulatory violations, and many are optimistic that their plight will lead to improvements in their living conditions.