The Ministry of Housing and Community Development did not promise families in Sakoca, Tacirua they would not be evicted.
Permanent secretary Sanjeeva Perera was responding to claims by three families who were handed eviction notices from the High Court in Suva.
“This is not within the ministry’s development lease area,” he said of the area in question.
“Accordingly, the ministry does not have authority to directly engage with landowners or the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) in this instance.
“Ministry is also mindful that there is a court order which gives three months’ time for the families to vacate the area and this needs to be respected.”
Mr Perera said they noted the land was under a development lease to a third party who was carrying out development works.
“Those families living within the ministry development lease area cannot be evicted by any party without the consent of the ministry.
“However, we note that these families are living outside the ministry’s development lease and this does not apply to them.
“The ministry has the development lease for only one part of Sakoca and we are currently progressing well with the upgrading program for this section of Sakoca.”
Mr Perera said they were liaising with TLTB on acquiring the lease for the other part of Sakoca.
“This decision can only be made if landowners agree to give this land for development purpose.”
Mr Perera said the ministry noted that several other families who lived in the area concerned had vacated the place, allowing for the development to take place and only three families were yet to relocate.
One family had a Tenancy at Will that was surrendered in 2018, while the other two families were living under vakavanua arrangements directly with the landowners.
“Other two families are already making arrangements to move to alternate locations respecting the court order.”
He said the ministry did not have a land bank to provide alternate land to the families concerned.
“We normally refer settlers to either TLTB or Ministry of Lands who can assist with new leases.
“We will try to assist Ms Wati’s family in the same manner.
“We will also consider alternatives such as Public Rental Board flats if they meet the criteria.”
The ministry says while tenancies were arrangements between tenants and landowners, it was happy to facilitate discussions where necessary to assist those living in informal settlements during these challenging times.
