The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has warned informal settlers on iTaukei land that without a proper lease, they will meet the same fate as that of over 100 families at Waisasa settlement in Tacirua, who are facing imminent eviction to make way for an upmarket real estate project at the site. In a statement issued last week over the issue, TLTB confirmed its issuance of a 10-year development lease to Isikeli Nakoivalu, a member of the land’s landowning unit, for the 16 acre land on which the families currently live through the informal kere qele arrangement.
“TLTB re-emphasised again that the predicament for squatters will come to this one day, whether they will be relocated or realigned to facilitate formal development,” TLTB stated.
“Their occupation will not always be secure in the absence of a formal (land lease) title.”
Mr Nakoivalu has partnered with Optimal Development Pte Ltd, owned by Suva businessman and former bank officer Jone Vodo and they have plans to transform the prime site into 57 residential lots, with first opportunity to purchase given to existing occupants.
“Should they (residents) be unable to afford the lots, TLTB and the landowners will work together to identify alternative relocation sites. Although a 45-day notice has been given to the occupants starting from July 16th to vacate the land, TLTB has requested the developer to extend the notice by another six months to allow time for identifying relocation sites.”
Mr Vodo has confirmed to this newspaper they want the land vacated as soon as possible for earthworks to start and will seek clarification from the Attorney-General’s Office this week on TLTB’s powers to evict the occupants. TLTB said while it has the legal authority to evict occupants of informal settlements on iTaukei land, “there is an understanding with development lease holders to relocate or realign them as part of their responsibility”.
This however has been refuted by the developers.
The Waisasa issue has prompted TLTB to highlight “the need for a comprehensive approach involving multiple stake-holders, including the Government and the Ministry of Housing.”
