Lami resident and community advocate Taufaga Qoro St John says many families living in informal settlements are being evicted without proper planning, leaving vulnerable people with nowhere to go.
While speaking with fijivillage News on the issues affecting communities in Lami, St John says families living in informal settlements are often relocated without proper consultation or support systems in place.
She highlighted recent cases where families from Muanicake were moved to Mataniborosisi Settlement and Naimatana in Veisari.
St John says elderly people, persons living with disabilities and struggling families are among those most affected by the evictions.
She believes affected residents are often left out of important discussions between the Government and landowners, with many only learning about eviction notices at the last minute.
According to St John, proper meetings involving the Government, landowners and the affected communities themselves are needed before any relocation takes place.
She says many families face financial difficulties moving from one area to another and need proper planning and assistance before being relocated.
St John also raised concerns about the difficulties informal settlement residents face in accessing FNPF housing assistance because they do not have formal land arrangements.
She says discussions should be held with landowners to allow some settlements to become village reserves so families can access housing support and build proper homes.
