Four tenants have settled their rental arrears after the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) began enforcing court orders this week, including the disconnection of water supplies, against those who had failed to meet payment deadlines.
The action follows eight cases scheduled for enforcement. According to the iTLTB, one tenant made full payment before the court order was executed, another settled their arrears before their WAF meter was disconnected, a third paid on site in Nausori, and a fourth cleared their outstanding dues following disconnection.
Water supplies have been disconnected for the remaining four tenants, who have now been given a further 14 days to settle their arrears or face the risk of electricity disconnection.
“Failure to comply may lead to full eviction and vacant possession, especially for tenants with improvements on leased land,” the iTLTB said in a statement. “Note that TLTB has already obtained court orders for this.”
The Board said it hoped tenants would take advantage of the extended period to avoid eviction, but warned that such action would be pursued if necessary in the interest of landowners.
“TLTB’s statutory mandate is to act for the benefit of and protect the rights of landowners, ensuring they receive fair and equitable returns on their land through timely lease payments,” it added. “Let this be a reminder: honouring lease obligations is key to maintaining security of tenure and fairness for all parties.”
The eight are believed to be among 43 tenants the TLTB highlighted in an update in March, having owed long-overdue rent payments.
As of April end, total rent arrears stood at $24.8 million, down from $31.6 million at the start of the year.
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