The National Housing Policy Review seeks to bring significant changes to Fiji’s housing sector. Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Local Government and Housing, emphasized that the proposed legislative review is part of the Coalition’s commitment to address the expected population growth in Fiji, which is projected to rise by 30 percent by 2030.
Nalumisa highlighted that by 2050, it is anticipated that 70 percent of the global population will live in urban areas. Locally, an additional 30 percent is expected to reside in urban settings by 2030. This swift urbanization calls for the implementation of sustainable practices that integrate land development and promote legislative reforms in urban planning.
He explained that the necessity of reviewing the 2011 housing policy stems from the increasing complexities and demand for housing solutions. The first phase of the Revised National Housing Plan was completed after a stakeholder workshop that pinpointed key areas for improvement.
Furthermore, Nalumisa mentioned that the second phase of the review was approved in August, inviting public input on the proposed National Housing Plan. The submission period for feedback remains open until the end of September, with a Quick Response (QR) link provided for questionnaires related to the Revised National Housing Policy.
The Ministry of Housing is conducting a second phase of consultations that includes a schedule for public meetings across the country, offering a valuable opportunity for citizens to express their opinions on the housing sector.