With the National Budget announcement just a day away, Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, is expressing confidence that the government will allocate more funds to address Fiji’s mounting housing challenges. He emphasizes the priority of dealing with informal settlements, halting forced evictions, and facilitating home ownership for Fijians.
“The increase in eviction cases and the management of informal settlements, particularly in urban areas, are among the biggest challenges we face,” remarked Mr. Nalumisa. The ministry is currently identifying land for development to assist those families facing relocation due to eviction notices.
The request for additional funding aims to strengthen agencies like the Housing Authority and the Public Rental Board (PRB) in constructing model homes and facilitating the sale of land lots. A key focus is to make housing more affordable for low-income families, especially for those earning below $30,000 annually. The Minister is hopeful that the Ministry of Finance will expand the First Home Assistance Programme to support more working-class Fijians in becoming homeowners.
Furthermore, local councils are also in need of increased funding to enhance garbage collection and other essential services in growing residential areas, with a specific emphasis on ensuring that rural areas are not neglected in these developments.
Mr. Nalumisa highlights the critical importance of the upcoming Budget, asserting that getting it right is essential to resolving long-standing housing issues and ensuring that every Fijian has a secure and safe place to call home.
This optimism aligns with previous discussions focused on addressing informal settlements and increasing the availability of affordable housing, crucial for improving the living standards of affected communities. By reinforcing collaborative efforts and funding initiatives, the government aims to create a more stable and inclusive housing market that could promote a brighter future for many local families.
Overall, the situation reflects a hopeful narrative of commitment and proactive measures to improve housing conditions in Fiji, with various stakeholders working toward more viable solutions that address the population’s pressing needs.
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