The Ministry of Housing, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT), is taking significant steps to enhance the socio-economic conditions for low-income individuals in Fiji by improving access to affordable, high-quality housing.
Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa announced that the New Zealand government has committed over NZ$15 million (FJ$20.30 million) to this initiative, with NZ$1.75 million (FJ$2.36 million) specifically allocated for the Ministry of Housing. This investment is aimed at providing technical assistance, strategic planning, strengthening institutions, and developing a national housing database over the next three years.
According to Mr. Nalumisa, this funding will empower the Ministry to effectively allocate resources for both new and existing housing projects. Additionally, the Model Towns Charitable Trust will receive NZ$6,170,533 (FJ$8.4 million), with NZ$3.6 million (FJ$4.87 million) specifically designated for the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) Programme, which aims to improve sanitation management in six informal settlements around the greater Suva area.
The government will also provide technical support to enhance policies and planning within the Ministry’s regulatory framework and work towards finalizing a national housing policy. Financial assistance is expected to support the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for the years 2025–2029.
This partnership between NZ MFAT and the Ministry of Housing is built on mutual trust, focusing on establishing a solid institutional collaboration that enhances capacity and improves institutional effectiveness in Fiji’s housing sector.
In summary, the proactive measures taken by the New Zealand government and the Fijian Ministry of Housing demonstrate a commitment to improving living standards for low-income earners and fostering sustainable development within the housing sector. This initiative not only aims to tackle immediate challenges in housing accessibility and sanitation but also sets the foundation for long-term socio-economic growth in the region.
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