Twenty-three families from the Veidogo Settlement in Vatuwaqa, Suva, are set to be relocated to the Mokosoi Development Estate in Deuba following a new agreement endorsed by the Cabinet. This Memorandum of Agreement, established between the Ministry of Housing, the Housing Authority of Fiji, and Habitat for Humanity Fiji, aims to provide secure housing options for those affected.
The decision to relocate these families comes after a comprehensive survey led by the Ministry in April 2024, which assessed the number of households within the 4.5-hectare settlement. This survey identified families who had received eviction notices and evaluated their financial readiness along with relocation preferences.
Cabinet officials have indicated that they are exploring relocation options for the remaining families in the Veidogo area, reflecting the government’s commitment to address housing instability and improve living standards for vulnerable communities.
The relocation initiative aligns with broader governmental strategies to provide sustainable housing solutions, similar to ongoing efforts to manage the housing needs of over 1,000 households facing eviction across various informal settlements in Fiji. For example, the Ministry of Lands has previously noted its commitment to phase out squatter settlements and has been actively working on policies to promote safe and adequate housing.
This positive initiative highlights the government’s proactive approach to tackling housing instability, fostering community welfare, and paving the way for a brighter future for the affected families. As they transition to their new homes, there is hope that these families will find improved living conditions and a sense of security as part of a concerted national effort to enhance urban housing.
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