A lands Department Taskforce was set up in 1998 to dismantle new houses that were being built in squatter areas.

According to an article published by The Fiji Times on September 3 of that year, squatters were removed if they owned property elsewhere.

The warnings came as the department tried to curb the increasing number of squatters.

Called the Squatter Taskforce, it patrolled squatter and potential squatter settlements between Suva and Nausori daily and during the weekends.

The department provided 99-year leases over fully serviced subsidised lots for the “security, progress, and prosperity” of the needy.

Department spokesman Himayat Ali said the patrols were conducted to control any new growth.

“The new houses are demolished on the spot if found to be deliberate squatting.

“Those people who squat out of greed and become opportunists are checked with title searches for ownership of any alternative properties they may have.

“Despite the limited funding, manpower and resources to have dealt with such a large number of squatters, the department has made significant achievements in resettling the poor and controlling the squatter populations.”

Mr Ali said the poor made gradual rehabilitation and improved their living standards over time.

He said the overall upgrading and development project had many phases and would take years before final leasing.

Squatters had become an eye-sore in the peri-urban areas.

But a report by the Land and Survey Department’s Institute of Human Resettlement of which Mr Ali was a secretary, painted a picture of hope for these squatters.

The subdivision of land at the end of Howell Rd, off Rewa St, was to be completed by the end of 1998 for the resettlement of those from Muanikau and Suva Cemetery.

For Vatuwaqa squatters, the Fijian Affairs Board had been helping the institution in the relocation of the 13 families.

The fate of the Cunningham Rd squatters were to be decided by the department which considered an application for lease of the area by the Suva City Council.

Mr Ali said plans were underway in some areas while work had started on sub-dividing land to resettle squatters in other areas.

He said the development of 100 lots at the Vatoa subdivision was almost completed.

“We have also completed pegging the lots. We are processing papers for their water meters and subsequent documents leading to the issuance of their approval notice and leases.

“People are building their houses in full force.

“The outstanding infrastructure of power, incomplete driveways, and sewage will be completed for approval of leases.”