There are currently more than 20,000 people living in squatter settlements in the Nasinu and Suva areas.

This has been confirmed by the Nasinu Town Council, whose latest statistics show that there are currently 1,948 households in squatter settlements with 10,449 squatters.

Nasinu Health Inspector and Environment Officer Shiu Nadan said according to the statistics, the highest number of squatter settlers are at Ward 4 which includes Narere, Muanikoso and Laqere, the second largest is Ward 3 which is Caubati with the third largest at Ward 2 which includes Kalabu, Newtown and Valelevu.

Nadan said taking in to account the individual areas, the largest number of squatters are at River Road, the second largest at Mamas Place, the third is Muanikoso with the fourth at Newtown.  

Suva City Council Public Relations Officer Gillian Hicks said according to their 2007 Health Department survey, there are 10,080 people living in squatter settlements in Suva which includes areas like Namadi in Tamavua, Jittu Estate, Wailea and Muanivatu.

At the 2010 Consultative Forum last week, ECREA's Father Kevin Barr had said that $23 million should have been given to housing instead of tourism as people's welfare should have been a priority.