Residents of a six-flat commercial property in Lajonia, Labasa, are grappling with severe hardships due to a lack of basic services and ongoing safety concerns. Sova Tauyavu, a representative for the tenants, reported that six families, including children, have been deprived of adequate water for nearly ten months. The dire conditions are further compounded by missing flooring and substandard facilities, putting the safety of residents at risk, even as each family pays a monthly rent of $250.
The urgency of their situation is underscored by Tauyavu’s comments: “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.” The problems are not limited to water, as inadequate electrical infrastructure contributes to the danger; all six flats share a single meter box, which frequently trips when multiple appliances are in use, escalating the risk of fire.
Landlord Bobby Lal has attributed the issues to alleged tenant negligence, claiming that they have damaged the plumbing and are unwilling to cover 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 stated, noting the difficulties in maintaining proper supply given the shared water meter.
Authorities from the Ministry of Health and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission recently visited the site to assess the living conditions. Their findings could have significant implications, particularly as a 30-day eviction notice has already been issued, leaving families anxious about their future stability.
As residents await the evaluations from Energy Fiji Limited, the Water Authority of Fiji, and other regulatory agencies, they remain hopeful for a resolution that will restore essential services and improve safety standards in their homes. Local officials are expected to examine whether housing regulations have been violated, and many tenants are optimistic that their voices will lead to necessary changes in their living conditions, fostering a safer and more secure environment for all families involved.