Solving Squatter Problem Remains Major Challenge For Municipalities
It appears the Constitutional provision of the right to housing has been exploited to suit people’s personal circumstances. It has been used to advance the plight of squatters on State land. Although public attention has been drawn to the fact that the occupation of State land without proper legal documents is illegal, some squatter settlements keep expanding.
One case in point is the Wailea informal settlement, Vatuwaqa, Suva. An aerial photo of the area in the Fiji Sun yesterday clearly shows more structures are appearing deeper in the mangroves.
The development highlights the environmental implications of the destruction of mangroves and the growing housing needs of an increasing population. The cutting down of mangroves destroys the natural habitats for marine species. People who cannot afford their own housing or rental accommodation will turn to squatting as a last resort. It’s a desperate move and stokes debate on how we can solve this burgeoning housing problem.
Under our Constitution, every person has a right to housing. What happens if some Fijians cannot afford to own a home or rent a flat? What’s the next alternative to make this right meaningful?
The homeless turn to vacant State land and join their predecessors who are well established. Many of the occupants build homes and some rent out rooms and operate businesses.
They have water and electricity. How they are connected is a mystery because they do not have titles on the land. Presumably they are given power and water on humanitarian grounds.
But that very act encourages squatting because the occupants know they will get water and power, if not from official sources, from fellow squatters who charge them a fee.
The squatter issue has existed since our colonial days and will never disappear any time soon because the residents are well entrenched. The FijiFirst Government has tried to address the issue by relocating some to new subdivisions with proper lease titles but this is a hugely expensive exercise that will take years to implement.
Isikeli Tikoduadua, the Lami and Suva Special Administrator, says an enforcement team will be visiting the areas in question and do the due diligence.
Legal action will be taken where the law has been violated. Mr Tikoduadua says the construction of any structure and even farming in these areas are against the law.
The squatter problem has been a political hot potato from the beginning. It has been a valuable source of votes for politicians and continues to be so, to this day. Mr Tikoduadua’s move will help to stop the settlements expanding if he can succeed in evicting the newest occupants and preventing potential squatters from moving in.