TENANTS of one of Suva's low-cost housing communities have refuted claims they did not co-operate with the police and military in last week's search for five escaped inmates.
Tenants of the Public Rental Board housing in Raiwai and Raiwaqa who were told by the board they would be evicted immediately if they failed to co-operate told The Fiji Times they made every effort to help the security personnel hunting for the escapees.
Resident Peni Gonemaituba said the police came to his area last Wednesday night.
"We were approached by them and the tenants and the youths answered whatever questions they were asked by the police and military team," Mr Gonemaituba said.
He rejected claims by the PRB general manager Mesake Senibulu that residents failed to co-operate with the authorities.
"We are encouraging people in our area to help each other," Mr Gonemaituba said.
"If people are going in the wrong direction, we tell them not to do such things."
Another resident, Eremasi Ulunabou of McFarlane Rd in Raiwai, said soldiers and policemen also visited their area and were assisted by the residents.