Approximately 400 families from the Nabua Muslim League settlement are set to be relocated to Koronivia in Nausori, as confirmed by Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa. During a recent parliamentary session, Nalumisa detailed that the government is initiating preliminary infrastructure improvements, including road access, drainage systems, and utility connections, to prepare for the relocation.
The ministry is actively working with various partners, such as the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Ministry of Lands, to finalize lease agreements and clarify legal matters for the families being relocated. Additionally, plans are underway for a first-home grant assistance package aimed at helping evacuees eligible for Housing Authority lots. This program will not only benefit families from Nabua but also assist other residents from informal settlements in Suva facing eviction.
Some iTaukei families from the Nabua Muslim League settlement have expressed a desire to return to their ancestral villages. To support these families, the ministry is engaging with government development agencies to establish necessary support systems. They are also collaborating with Habitat for Humanity Fiji on a Greenfield project designed specifically for families affected by eviction notices.
The government’s initiatives resonate with previous efforts directed at supporting families in similar situations in places like Kilikali in Nasinu and various informal settlements throughout Fiji. In those instances, the Ministry of Housing has focused on assessing resident needs through socio-economic surveys and facilitating open communication with stakeholders to develop comprehensive relocation strategies.
Overall, the government’s approach demonstrates a compassionate commitment to vulnerable communities, aiming to find sustainable and effective housing solutions. These proactive measures not only address the immediate concerns of families facing eviction but also inspire hope for a smooth transition into new living arrangements that emphasize stability and community welfare.