Former senior civil servant Saverio Baleikanacea has criticized Fiji’s inadequate adherence to the UN Convention on the right to adequate housing. During a public consultation last Wednesday regarding the National Housing Draft Policy for 2024-2030, Baleikanacea emphasized the need for the government to prioritize housing for all citizens.
He stated, “The Government claims that everyone is entitled to housing, and the policy must reflect that.” He highlighted the unequal access to housing, urging the government to address the plight of those living in informal settlements and on the streets. “Everyone has housing needs and rights, not just those with jobs or businesses. This includes people in rural areas and villages as well.”
Baleikanacea called for housing to be decent and accessible, aligning with the UN convention’s vision. He pointed out that the government is occupying state land that may not rightfully belong to it. He recounted efforts made during his tenure at the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to raise concerns about government reliance on iTaukei land, which were disregarded.
He also raised concerns about the approval of small land subdivisions, questioning the adequacy and decency of lots sized around 400 to 500 square meters. “There’s nothing decent about such subdivisional lots. We need to reassess what is being approved by local municipalities,” he insisted. He urged the government to address these issues, referencing their agreement with the Traditional Land Trust Board (TLTB) and questioning its effectiveness.
Housing advisor Keith Hornby from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledged the complexity of the matter, noting that the International Development Plan aims to provide a coherent approach, with the housing policy serving as a secondary focus.