Residents of a squatter settlement in Suva that were served with eviction notices have asked the government to help them relocate to another area.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Muanivatu in Vatuwaqa, head of the Peoples Community Network Mesake Dakai, said most of the residents are poor and from the outer islands, and they want to be relocated somewhere near the Suva area.

Dakai admits that the residents understand that they are staying illegally and they have asked the Suva City Council and the government to hold talks with the residents.

He requests the government to understand the problems faced by many of the residents since many of them are casual workers and poorly paid.

The residents have been given till the end of the month to move out from the Muanivatu settlement.