The government is in the process of identifying and developing 266 acres of land in the Central and Western divisions to construct 3,000 climate-resilient housing units designed to withstand Category 5 cyclones. This announcement was made on Friday by Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, during the Construction Industry Council Conference held at the Fiji National University, Namaka Campus in Nadi.
Mr. Ali emphasized that the theme “Affordable Housing in Fiji” is extremely pertinent as efforts are made to ensure that housing is accessible and recognized as a basic right for all Fijians. He highlighted that the construction industry goes beyond merely building structures; it is about creating homes and communities while ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable housing for every citizen.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to this important objective, which plays a significant role in the welfare of citizens and the overall economic growth. Aligning with the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, the government aims to rejuvenate the construction sector to enhance its economic contribution and ensure equitable housing availability.
The demand for affordable housing in Fiji has surged due to rapid urbanization and a growing young population, presenting numerous challenges. Mr. Ali asserted that housing must be regarded as a right rather than a privilege, urging collaboration to identify sustainable solutions that guarantee access to quality housing for all Fijians.
Notably, the housing sector’s impact on Fiji’s GDP rose from 4.2% in 2011 to 5.6% in 2018, underscoring its critical significance. To sustain this growth, the government is focused on promoting eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices in line with global sustainability trends.
Furthermore, the government is collaborating with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through a public-private partnership to develop affordable, high-quality housing options.