Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa is expressing optimism that the upcoming National Budget will significantly address the pressing housing demands in Fiji. He underscored the necessity for enhanced government support to tackle various critical development priorities, prioritizing housing initiatives and assistance for the Public Rental Board schemes, as well as support for first-time homeowners.
Nalumisa stated, “Hopefully we will be able to get some assistance from Government and hopefully we will get at least the majority of what we requested.” He emphasized the importance of funding for essential projects that not only focus on housing but also on improving local government and infrastructure development.
According to Nalumisa, adequate funding will be crucial in delivering commitments aimed at enhancing community wellbeing. This need aligns with previous announcements made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who highlighted a significant shortfall in meeting the rising urban housing demands. The recent 2024-2025 National Budget allocated $13.5 million specifically towards formalizing information settlements and invited private sector tenders to construct 3,000 affordable housing units across five sites managed by the Housing Authority.
Furthermore, with ongoing initiatives under the National Housing Policy for 2025-2030, which aims to tackle complex housing issues such as affordability and land availability, collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is increasingly apparent. This policy is designed to enhance living conditions, thereby signaling a hopeful turning point in addressing housing challenges.
As the national discourse on housing continues, community engagement and productivity in public-private partnerships remain pivotal. By prioritizing these investments and initiatives, there’s potential for creating a stable and accessible housing landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Fijians.
Leave a comment