Squatter settlement
I REFER to the report (FT 23/07) “Ministry probes dwellers”.
During our distribution of food packs to the greater Lautoka areas, informal and squatter settlements, we came across many homes that had two cars, Sky Pacific satellite dishes and other luxury items. A few had mini-vans.
When responding to calls for help, we visit and verify the families situations to determine if they really do need assistance.
When we do identify a home via directions from a caller, from afar we already know that family didn’t need help.
You will be surprised to see the insides of some of these homes.
One can only conclude that they make a very decent earning yet live in squatter and informal settlements.
But is it illegal to do that, I ask?
If I have a good job and choose to live in a squatter settlement, am I breaking any law?
We think that only the poorest of the poor live in such places, you better think again.
What gets to us is when we respond to a call for food assistance and we see a house that has a van, truck and a car.
Yes, they walk among us.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON
Kava Place, Lautoka
However, I’m hopeful cool heads will prevail and SODELPA will unite because divisions within SODELPA can be disastrous.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu