The government has announced an extension of the eviction deadline for residents of the Mead Road Public Rental Board (PRB) property, allowing families additional time to secure safe housing. Initially, the PRB set this month as the timeframe for tenants to vacate the premises due to safety concerns, with plans for demolition of the buildings after they are empty.
Despite the extended timeline, many families continue to face challenges in finding alternatives to their current homes. According to Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa, only about 30 of the 144 affected families have received assistance thus far. While some have opted to relocate to villages, others have been moved to different PRB properties, and many have sought help from the Housing Authority.
Minister Nalumisa expressed a commitment to easing the pressure on approximately 100 tenants who have not yet secured new housing. “We want to assist them because some of them do not know where to go. We are trying to identify more flats, and some have even requested to be moved to the villages,” he stated.
In an effort to facilitate these relocations, the government has allocated a budget of $200,000 to the PRB. Additionally, further funds have been requested from the Ministry of Finance to ensure that all families impacted by this situation receive the necessary support. The extended deadline and financial resources highlight the government’s determination to address the housing needs of vulnerable populations during this transitional period.