The Ministry of Housing in Fiji has announced plans to relocate 1,062 households at risk of eviction from various informal settlements, as outlined by Line Minister Maciu Nalumisa during a recent parliamentary session. The targeted areas include the Veidogo Settlement, Nadiri Settlement in Tacirua, and the households connected to the Fiji Muslim League.
To tackle this pressing issue, the Ministry has devised a comprehensive five-year Relocation and Resettlement Policy, alongside Standard Operating Procedures and a detailed action plan for those receiving eviction notices this financial year. The initiative emphasizes cooperation with other government entities, such as the iTaukei Land Trust Board (iTLTB) and the Ministry of Lands, to ensure a seamless relocation process.
In conjunction with these immediate actions, Minister Nalumisa mentioned the management of 48 development leases via the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme (ISUP), which spans multiple settlements across Fiji. As part of this plan, new residential lots in Cuvu, Waidamudamu, and Ledrusasa will be made available during the 2024-2025 financial year.
The ISUP follows a structured process that includes phases like consultancy, civil works, and the future issuance of titles, with additional development leases expected to be ready by the 2025-2026 period.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing housing instability and supporting vulnerable communities facing eviction. By adopting a collaborative approach, the Ministry not only seeks to fulfill urgent housing needs but also aims to foster long-term community resilience and security.
The proactive measures taken by the government illustrate a compassionate response to the challenges faced by affected families, demonstrating a dedication to finding sustainable housing solutions and enhancing the wellbeing of the communities in Fiji.
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