The Public Rental Board (PRB) has implemented new guidelines for residents across all 21 estates, to keep the properties free of violence and drugs.
PRB general manager Timoci Naleba said they were concerned about the alarming statistics of violence against women and children, as well as rising cases of drug abuse.
“It is a well-known fact that Fiji has one of the highest rates of violence in our region, with two out of every three women and six out of eight children having experienced cases of violence in their homes by their loved ones,” he said.
“At PRB, we are working towards taking a strong stand to keep our communities safe.”
Mr Naleba confirmed that PRB had set up block committees to monitor various guidelines of PRB.
He also said as part of the tenant’s agreement, all residents at PRB estates would have to abide by the new guidelines to keep the community free of violence and drugs.
“Any violence and drug cases in our estates will be reported to our committee and they will be empowered to encourage those affected to get counselling and other services.
“Any case of reported violence will be referred to service providers and after two warnings, if there is no improvement, offenders will be given notice of eviction.
“To create awareness in our communities, there will be training provided and crime-free committees set up to keep 8620 residents living in our 1724 flats safe from all forms of violence.”
Apart from this, Mr Naleba said the crime-free committees would also track unemployment across the estates. The team will also discuss opportunities for upskilling and job placement of unemployed youths.
