Fiji is currently grappling with a serious shortage of affordable housing, leading to heightened competition for available homes, according to the Public Rental Board’s (PRB) General Manager, Timoci Naleba. Recent criticisms from Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad have spotlighted alleged mismanagement within the PRB, specifically their rental policies allowing higher-income tenants into low-rent units designated for families earning $30,000 or less.
During a public forum organized by the Fijian Media Association, concerns were raised that some tenants exceeding this income threshold were occupying flats meant for lower-income households. In response to these accusations, Naleba assured that the PRB conducts biannual social surveys to monitor tenant incomes and issues vacate notices when families surpass the income limit. Last year, six families received such notices.
Despite these measures, Naleba acknowledged the public’s frustrations regarding the lack of affordable housing, citing over 200 applications on the PRB’s waiting list and the insufficient number of available units. The PRB currently manages approximately 1,700 housing units and is in the process of forming a partnership with the Fiji Development Bank to fund new housing projects aimed at increasing stock to meet this growing demand.
This issue aligns with broader reports of rising housing demand across Fiji, with many families struggling to find affordable options in both public and private sectors. The government is actively working to address these challenges through various initiatives, aiming to stabilize housing conditions for low-income families while enhancing access to secure living environments.
With the ongoing collaboration between the PRB and other stakeholders, there is a hopeful path toward significant improvements in the housing sector, which could ultimately enhance the quality of life for many Fijians facing housing insecurity. These developments reflect a commitment to tackling the chronic housing shortage through innovative solutions and increased funding for affordable housing initiatives.
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