The number of families living in the Nabua Muslim League informal settlement continues to rise, a situation the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalusima, says must now be met with urgent and practical solutions.
Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Nalusima revealed that the number of houses in the settlement has grown from 260 in 2015, to 314 in 2020, and now 419 in 2025.
“This is the reality we must confront with urgency and resolve,” he said.
“The number of tenants keeps increasing, and we cannot afford to keep doing surveys without action.”
He criticised the former government for conducting multiple socio-economic studies over the past decade without translating them into meaningful support for residents.
“These surveys should not just be exercises in data collection. They must become catalysts for real, impactful change.”
In December 2024, eviction notices were issued to the sitting tenants by the Fiji Muslim League, which owns the land. This prompted immediate intervention from the Coalition Government.
A fresh three-week socio-economic survey has since been conducted to determine the status and needs of the residents. The data is now being reviewed to inform a relocation strategy.
The government has set aside $2.2 million this financial year to secure suitable land for relocation with the plan expected to prioritise access to essential services, security of tenure, and proximity to jobs and education.
“This growing settlement cannot be ignored. We are moving from talk to tangible solutions,” Mr Nalusima said.
