SIXTEEN families are in the dark about their future housing plans as they claim they’ve received no information from the Public Rental Board.
According to residents of Jittu Estate Zone One, 36 families were promised flats at the newly-built Lagilagi Estate in the same area.
A resident of 40 years, Adi Kinisena Soleilagi, said they had filled forms given by the PRB and were told they would occupy the new flats.
“But now, of the 36 families, only 20 families have moved and we were told that Zone One occupants would move first,” Ms Soleilagi said.
“That is not happening as they are selecting families from other zones to move to the new Lagilagi flats.
“We have not been informed of what will happen to us and whether we will move. This Zone One area, we have been told, will be developed for new housing.”
Another resident Sera Salailagi said they had visited the PRB office many times so far this year in search of updates.
“We don’t know what is happening,” Ms Salailagi said. “We have to keep visiting the PRB to get an update because what they told us when they came is very different from what we are seeing on the ground,” Ms Salailagi said.
“If the development for new housing starts in this zone, we don’t know where we will go or what will happen to the remaining 16 families.”
In response, PRB general manager Timoci Naleba said the relocation of residents to the new flats was based on specific areas rather than zones.
“The agreed area for the initial movement is Area 296, where eligible families are being relocated,” Mr Naleba said.
“PRB acknowledges the community’s housing needs and has considered essential compliance requirements during the selection of relocation areas.
“While Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa expressed commitment towards relocating all 36 families from Zone One, the current phase involves the relocation of families specifically residing within Area 296.”
Mr Naleba said as of now, 20 families had successfully relocated from this area.
“Claims regarding residents from Zone Two moving to new flats also relate specifically to Area 296 rather than an entire zone-based approach.
“The remaining 16 families from Zone One who qualify will be accommodated in the 16 new flats currently under construction. Allocation will strictly adhere to eligibility criteria, ensuring fairness and transparency in the relocation process.
“PRB remains committed to providing high-quality housing for all residents, working closely with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Lands and Jittu Estate residents.”
