The government is taking steps to identify and develop 266 acres of land in the Central and Western divisions for the construction of 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 in Namaka, Nadi.
Mr. Ali emphasized the significance of the conference’s theme, “Affordable Housing in Fiji,” highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that housing is a right for every Fijian and not just a privilege. He noted that the construction industry extends beyond just building structures; it is about fostering communities and providing all citizens access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
He reiterated the importance of this initiative for the well-being of citizens and the nation’s economic growth. According to Mr. Ali, the government’s efforts align with the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, focusing on revitalizing the construction sector to enhance its contribution to the economy and ensure equitable housing access.
Addressing the growing demand for affordable housing, Mr. Ali pointed out that rapid urbanization and a younger population present challenges that must be addressed. He insisted that housing should be considered a right for everyone. He noted that the contribution of the housing sector to Fiji’s GDP increased from 4.2 percent in 2011 to 5.6 percent in 2018, underscoring the sector’s importance.
To maintain this growth, the government is dedicated to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly building practices that are in line with global sustainability trends. Through a public-private partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the government is actively working toward offering affordable and high-quality housing options for the population.