LESSONS from Narere’s formalisation must be addressed as three other informal settlements in Nasinu undergo development with the Ministry of Housing.
Acting chief financial officer of Nasinu Town Council Imran Khan told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs on Tuesday that the council was working with the ministry on the formalisation of Mama’s Place, Top Line Caubati and River Road Narere.
Mr Khan said the council was providing technical input and highlighting problems experienced during Narere’s formalisation to prevent them from being repeated.
He said the conversion of Narere from an informal to a formal settlement had faced issues including inadequate drainage and properties being built over sewer and Water Authority of Fiji reserves.
“Some of the issues that we faced there was improper drainage system,” Mr Khan said.
“There are no drainage scheme plans.
“Properties were built on the portion of sewer reserves or Water Authority reserves that are included within private properties.”
Mr Khan said the problems had resulted in conflicts with Narere residents and the council was now raising its concerns with developers of the three current projects.
“We are coming as a stakeholder to look after the community once it is formalised.”
However, Mr Khan clarified that the council was not responsible for the actual development of the settlements.
“We do not have the main role in the development of it.”
