More than 10,000 Fijians are currently living in 23 informal settlements within Suva, according to the newly released Voluntary Local Review (VLR) by the Suva City Council (SCC). This report highlights that over 16 percent of the population in the Suva-to-Nausori area resides in slums or inadequate housing.
Seema Sharma, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, addressed the issue during the report’s launch, citing inadequate long-term urban planning as a significant contributor to the ongoing housing crisis. “The problem isn’t just housing shortages; it’s the absence of proper urban planning,” said Sharma. She emphasized that many Fijians cannot afford homes, which has led to the expansion of informal settlements.
For effective urban development, Sharma stressed the importance of planning beyond immediate needs. “When councils plan urban areas, they must project 50 years into the future to allocate resources and build infrastructure that supports sustainable growth,” she added. A clear urban development strategy would help determine optimal locations for housing, industries, and commercial spaces, ensuring investments yield long-term benefits.
The situation in Fiji is compounded by rising poverty levels, currently estimated at about 29.9%, and increasing crime rates linked to inadequate living conditions. Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa previously noted that the government struggles to manage the more than 250 informal settlements now identified, which reflect the broader failures in the housing system.
Efforts are underway, with the government planning to allocate around $10 million in the 2024-2025 budget to improve infrastructure in these settlements. There are also calls to reform the outdated Informal Settlements Act, which currently hinders effective interventions.
Community engagement and collaboration are deemed essential for addressing these issues. Recognizing the complexities of informal settlements, stakeholders are hopeful that with a comprehensive and forward-looking approach, the living conditions in these communities can improve over time. This commitment from both government and civil society offers a beacon of hope for creating a more inclusive and stable housing environment for all Fijians.
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