4 Oct 2002

Fiji businessman sommonsed for sheltering post-coup refugee families

10:40 am on 4 October 2002

A Fiji businessman who provided land to shelter four refugee families displaced after the May 2000 coup has been summoned to appear before the Lautoka magistrate's court

The Fiji Sun reports that Chandar Lok has been charged with carrying out development on his land without the consent of the Lautoka City Council.

It is alleged that Mr Lok constructed an open shed, a shower and a water closet for the families.

The four families were the remainder of more then 60 who fled the Muaniweni area north of Suva at the height of the anti-Indian violence after the coup.

When the four families refused to return home because they feared for their safety, They were given a piece of land by Mr Lok to live on until they could find alternative places.

But the Lautoka City Council has summoned Mr lok to court saying he allowed the families to stay on his land unlawfully.