The Fijian government’s mid to long-term strategy focuses on ensuring that affordable housing is accessible to all citizens. During a meeting with stakeholders and residents in Nadawa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the Coalition Government’s dedication to tackling key issues within informal settlements.
He announced that their forthcoming National Development Plan will establish frameworks and strategies aimed at addressing the larger problems associated with informal settlements. “I don’t want to promise today that the issues will be resolved tomorrow. We want to understand the situation well, which has developed over the past 25 years,” he stated, referring to prior agreements regarding these matters.
Professor Prasad outlined potential solutions to longstanding challenges, such as helping residents secure proper land titles, improving drainage systems, and ensuring access to basic utility services, including sewerage, electricity, and water.
The meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing, the Nasinu Land Purchase & Housing Co-operative Ltd, as well as local area representatives. In closing, Professor Prasad proposed further discussions with all relevant stakeholders to amicably resolve these issues for the benefit of the residents.