Homes and market stalls have popped up on the roadsides along the Suva-Nausori corridor. Some on footpaths, others next to the road and these are being done illegally according to the Ministry of Land.

by shalveen chand

Market vendors along Mead Road in Suva just outside MH Superfresh.

The process to remove those illegally occupying State Land and road reserves either for homes or market stalls has started.

Minister for Lands Ashneel Sudhakar confirmed that the market vendors along Mead Road in Suva just outside Superfresh had been given notices.

Mr Sudhakar said the occupation of State Land without consent was also deemed as theft.

Homes and market stalls have popped up on the roadsides along the Suva-Nausori corridor. Some on footpaths, others next to the road and these are being done illegally according to the Ministry of Land.

People are living in mangroves in Suva, Nasinu and Lami.

The explanation given by the people who have been doing this was that the land did not belong to anybody and they could build there.

“Most of the road reserves had been handed over to the Fiji Roads Authority. This was done to ensure that theFRA was able to utilise these lands when upgrading roads,” Mr Sudhakar said.

“We have information on some people who have been encroaching on Crown Land and State Reserves. This is not allowed.

“We have to take steps because there is confusion on who will take these people to task. We also need the public to give us information if they are aware of such developments and help eliminate illegal constructions as such.”

Mr Sudhakar said shanty town structures popping around the city area had also given it a bad image. He added there were associated health and safety risks.

Mr Sudhakar said if people refused to leave, they would be taken to court to seek an order for their removal.

The vendors on Mead Road said they would not move. Some claimed they had been allowed to build there by a cabinet minister and some said they had permission from a ministerial office.

Mr Sudhakar clarified that no such permission was given and their occupation of the land was illegal and therefore they must be removed.

He also stated that 43 homes in Labasa which had built along the banks of the Labasa River had also been given notices to move.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj