A member of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs has issued a stark warning that Fiji’s informal settlements could escalate into a national crisis if affordable housing is not prioritized. During a recent committee hearing, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Aliki Bia reflected on his upbringing in a settlement, underscoring that the challenges of inadequate housing have been longstanding and largely overlooked by the government and parliament.
Bia raised critical questions regarding the need for more robust initiatives to enhance affordable housing options for Fijians. He emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and education about housing issues, particularly among younger generations. “I have a Melanesian background; this is a generational issue,” he stated. Highlighting the normalization of living in illegal settlements, he stressed the need for educational efforts that encourage the construction of proper housing.
In response, Permanent Secretary for Housing Manasa Lesuma acknowledged the urgency of the situation, agreeing that past efforts have often been reactive rather than proactive due to the shortage of available housing. He noted the necessity of integrating housing awareness programs into schools to better inform students about their housing rights and responsibilities.
Lesuma revealed that the government is actively exploring new initiatives to support home ownership, with several proposals awaiting Cabinet approval. Furthermore, he mentioned that they are developing a comprehensive resettlement and relocation program aimed at addressing the needs of informal settlements over the next five to ten years. This plan includes collaborations with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) and the Ministry of Lands to ensure secure land tenure for affected communities.
This focus on long-term solutions signifies a proactive approach to mitigating the housing crisis in Fiji, addressing both the current challenges and laying the groundwork for sustainable development in the future.
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