For more than a decade, the families of Bouma Settlement in Labasa have watched the river rise, the rain pour and their hopes for a better life washed away along with any promises of help.
Bouma spokesperson Simione Ligaqaqa said the families have endured more than a decade of uncertainty in the area they live in.
“This is the area we have lived in for more than a decade,” he said.
“For many of us, we asked for a piece of land to build our home on because we wanted to provide a good school for our children.”
He added the families had lived in the area to give their children a better future.
“At the moment, there are 18 households. Before, there were more than 20.
“Many of those who had stayed here have managed to go far in life, and now they are nurses and doctors. But for us here, during heavy rainfalls, the river always comes.”
He said that despite living within the town boundaries for more than a decade, they have not been provided with basic needs such as electricity.
“For the last few years we have been living here, we’ve not had electricity.
“We had made a request for electricity from Laisenia Qarase’s government, but plans were halted due to the 2006 coup.
“Then we asked for assistance from Voreqe Bainimarama’s government but our pleas fell on deaf ears.”
Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said the ministry was committed to working toward a sustainable and coordinated solution for the residents of Bouma,
He said the ministry knows people were tired of empty promises.
“Recognising that many settlers are hesitant or resistant to relocate, the ministry plans to collaborate closely with other key agencies,” Mr Vosarogo said.
He said electricity could have been provided under special arrangements.
“Previously, under a government initiative, both informal and formal settlers were allowed to access basic utilities through a special arrangement.
“Informal settlers were required to complete an indemnity form, which allowed the ministry to grant temporary consent for the provision of water and electricity services, despite their tenure status.”
But that never happened in Bouma — and for families who have faced the rising river and the darkness for years, the only certainty is that the river will come again.
