Single mothers and low-income residents residing in Public Rental Board (PRB) flats on Mead Road in Nabua, Suva, are expressing growing anxiety regarding their upcoming relocations as they struggle to find affordable housing alternatives. Many tenants report that the financial burden of moving within the limited timeframe set by PRB is overwhelming, particularly since private rental options are often out of reach.
Silika Ciba, a 63-year-old single mother, voiced her concerns, stating, “I don’t have a stable job and I have two children; my children only get casual jobs, enough for food and rent. I don’t know how or where we will move to now.” Her situation reflects the experiences of several tenants who have made their homes in the flats for over three decades, raising families in a community that has been part of their lives for so long.
Residents have also brought attention to long-standing maintenance issues within the flats, noting that repairs are frequently delayed and sometimes require tenants to purchase materials themselves while PRB only provides labor. The pressure of potential relocation amid rising living costs and school expenses adds to the burden already felt by these families. Kelera Vuna, another tenant, highlighted the struggle by asking, “We survive with the little we can collect from casual jobs; where will we go, how will we pay to move?”
Several tenants have applied to be transferred to different PRB estates or vacant flats but remain uncertain about the approval of their requests. Many residents have been assured of government assistance to facilitate their relocation; however, the specifics regarding financial or housing support from the government remain unclear.
Timoci Naleba, the general manager of PRB, emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety and fairness across all housing estates. He noted that most tenants are iTaukei, suggesting they have family nearby who could potentially provide temporary shelter. According to Naleba, many residents have been paying low rents, which he argues should have allowed them to accumulate savings and invest in property. He also pointed out that the relocation process is essential for accommodating younger families who currently live in inadequate conditions.
The situation highlights a critical social issue faced by low-income families in urban areas, stressing the need for clear communication and more robust support systems from government entities to ensure these families can find stability in their housing.