The government is taking steps to identify and develop 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 the importance of the theme “Affordable Housing in Fiji,” stating that it highlights the government’s efforts to ensure everyone in Fiji has access to housing, not merely as a privilege, but as a right. He pointed out that the construction industry extends beyond just building structures; it is about creating communities and ensuring safe and affordable living conditions for all Fijians.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to this vital objective, which is essential for the well-being of citizens and for promoting economic growth. In alignment with the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, the government is focused on revitalizing the construction industry to enhance its economic contribution and to ensure equitable housing access.
Mr. Ali acknowledged the rising demand for affordable housing in Fiji, driven by rapid urbanization and a younger population, which presents intricate challenges. He reiterated that housing should remain a right for all citizens, advocating for collaborative efforts to discover sustainable solutions to ensure all Fijians can access quality housing.
He noted that the housing sector’s contribution to Fiji’s GDP increased from 4.2 percent in 2011 to 5.6 percent in 2018, underscoring its significance. To maintain this positive trend, the government is dedicated to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices that align with global sustainability trends.
Additionally, he mentioned that through a public-private partnership initiative, the government is collaborating with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to provide affordable and high-quality housing options.