The government has invested approximately $16 million into the Lagilagi Housing Estate project, which aims to provide affordable housing for low-income earners in Jittu Estate. During a recent Parliament session, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, shared that the initiative began in 2009 through a partnership between the previous government, the Pacific Community Network Charitable Trust (PCN), and a German Catholic organization.
Mr. Nalumisa highlighted the project’s intention to support PCN in constructing cost-effective housing units for impoverished residents of Jittu Estate. So far, 117 housing units have been completed, with 36 still under construction. In a recent Cabinet meeting on January 17, 2024, it was approved for the Public Rental Board (PRB) to take over the management and completion of these remaining units.
The PRB successfully finished the additional units with a budget that was lower than initially projected, costing about $1.6 million instead of the allocated $3 million. These units are on the verge of being opened, and Mr. Nalumisa praised the cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for developing recreational spaces for both new residents and the existing families.
He pointed out that approximately 160 families would now reside in the area, which is significant when considering that an additional 1,400 families live nearby. However, he did address some challenges, notably space limitations which have restricted future construction plans.
To tackle these issues, the PRB has proposed redesigning units to accommodate more families in the future, and they are also discussing with the Ministry of Lands for the potential transfer of additional land for future construction. Moreover, the Minister reassured that the new housing opportunities would prioritize the residents of Jittu Estate, aiming to assist those in informal settlements.
The Minister also provided updates on grievances related to PCN, stating that most affected families have received refunds for their accommodations. The ministry continues to process cases for those with receipts for other services, demonstrating a commitment to addressing these concerns.
Lastly, responses to tenant surveys revealed irregularities, including unauthorized tenants occupying flats, a situation raised by Opposition MP Premila Kumar. Mr. Nalumisa acknowledged these issues and assured that the ministry would investigate further.
This initiative is a significant step towards improving living conditions for low-income families in Jittu Estate. It shows a committed approach to not just building houses, but fostering a community focused on resident welfare and addressing past grievances effectively.
Overall, the completion of these housing units signals a hopeful future for those impacted, providing a solid foundation for families seeking stable housing and better quality of life.
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