The government has committed nearly $16 million to the Public Rental Board (PRB) Lagilagi Housing Estate project, which aims to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income earners residing in Jittu Estate. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, conveyed this information to Parliament last month, noting that the project originated in 2009 under a previous administration, in partnership with the Pacific Community Network Charitable Trust (PCN) and a German Catholic organization.
Mr. Nalumisa highlighted the purpose of the project as a means to support PCN in constructing low-cost housing for the residents of Jittu Estate. To date, 117 housing units have been completed, with 36 additional units still in progress. Recently, Cabinet approved PRB’s management of these 36 unfinished units, which are expected to be completed soon at a budget of around $3 million. Notably, the construction was efficiently executed for $1.6 million.
In addition to the housing units, Mr. Nalumisa expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its collaboration in creating recreational spaces for the residents, benefiting approximately 160 families in the new development. He pointed out some challenges related to space limitations that have affected future expansion and emphasized the need to redesign their plans to maximize housing opportunities within the constraints.
Furthermore, Mr. Nalumisa underscored the prioritization of Jittu Estate residents for future housing opportunities. He stated that while phase two of the project temporarily allocated some units to non-residents, the process has since been adjusted to ensure that only residents of Jittu Estate are considered for housing placements.
The minister also addressed concerns about families affected by PCN, confirming that most those impacted have received refunds, particularly those with receipts for accommodation. The ministry is actively reviewing other cases involving service payments, such as education, to offer assistance.
In response to inquiries regarding irregularities reported in the Special Investigations Report, Mr. Nalumisa acknowledged the situation and committed to addressing it. He assured that the ministry would investigate claims about non-eligible tenants occupying flats, including issues about foreign ownership and minors.
The ongoing efforts by the government reflect a strong commitment to improving housing conditions for low-income residents, prioritizing those in informal settlements, and working towards responsible management of housing resources. As the project continues to develop, it holds the promise of better living conditions and a more secure future for the affected families.
This initiative can be viewed as a beacon of hope, indicating that efforts are being made to ensure affordable housing options are available to those in need, which is crucial in fostering community stability and growth.
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