The Ministry of Housing in Fiji, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT), is taking significant steps to enhance the socio-economic conditions for low-income households by improving access to affordable and high-quality housing.
Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, announced that the New Zealand government is committing over NZ$15 million (approximately FJ$20.3 million) to this initiative, with NZ$1.75 million (about FJ$2.36 million) specifically allocated to the Ministry of Housing. This funding aims to provide technological support, strategic planning, institutional development, and the establishment of a national housing database over the next three years.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized that these investments will enable the ministry to optimize resources for both ongoing and new projects. Furthermore, the Model Towns Charitable Trust has received an allocation of NZ$6,170,533 (around FJ$8.4 million), which includes NZ$3.6 million (approximately FJ$4.87 million) designated for the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) Programme. This program focuses on enhancing sanitation management in six informal settlements around the greater Suva area.
In addition, the Fijian government will provide technical support to improve policies and planning within the ministry’s regulatory framework while finalizing the national housing policy. Financial aid will also be made available for the ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2029.
The partnership between NZ MFAT and the Ministry of Housing is founded on trust and commitment to fostering a strong collaboration that enhances institutional capacity and effectiveness.
This collaboration not only signifies a commitment to better the living conditions of Fijians but also highlights the importance of international support in tackling local challenges. The positive impact of these efforts could significantly uplift communities, fostering growth and development in Fiji.
Summary: The NZ government invests over NZ$15 million in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Housing to improve affordable housing, aiming to strengthen socio-economic conditions for low-income earners, enhance sanitation in informal settlements, and build institutional capacity.
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