Approximately 25% of Fiji’s population resides in informal settlements located in towns and cities throughout the country. Minister for Housing and Community Development, Maciu Nalumisa, revealed these statistics, which were gathered from over 250 such settlements.
The Ministry is actively collaborating with various partners to implement urgent improvements in these areas, and plans to carry out surveys to better understand the circumstances surrounding residents living in informal settlements. This initiative aims to pinpoint individuals who may have the means to purchase land and housing, which would allow them to transition out of these informal living situations.
The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all Fijians have access to safe, affordable housing along with essential services, and is working towards revitalizing informal settlements. To support these efforts, funding of $1 million has been allocated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, with another $1 million planned for the 2024-2025 budget.
Additionally, the Ministry is undertaking an institutional reform through a review of the 2011 National Housing Policy. This reform is meant to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urban growth and improve land development processes through better forward planning.
However, the Ministry has issued a warning to Fijians about purchasing properties in informal settlements. This caution follows an incident in which an individual purchased a home in an informal settlement for $10,000 cash without formal ownership documentation. The original landowner later disputed this transaction, leading to an eviction dispute.
Minister Nalumisa urged potential homebuyers to be extremely cautious when considering properties in such areas, as residents may face eviction without notice, exposing them to financial losses and displacement. Furthermore, informal settlements often lack essential services like electricity, water, and sanitation, which negatively affects residents’ quality of life and health.
In light of these issues, the Ministry strongly advises prospective homebuyers to focus on properties in established, legally recognized neighborhoods to avoid the pitfalls associated with informal settlements.
This initiative to upgrade living conditions in informal settlements reflects a significant commitment from the Fijian government to enhance the well-being of its citizens while safeguarding them from potential real estate pitfalls. By prioritizing the review of housing policies and planning reforms, there is hope for a brighter future in housing stability and support for vulnerable populations in Fiji.
Summary: The Fijian government is addressing the challenges faced by the 25% of the population living in informal settlements through a series of surveys and funding initiatives aimed at upgrading housing quality and access to basic services, while also cautioning potential homebuyers about the risks associated with informal property transactions.
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