The Ministry of Housing in Fiji and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) are collaborating to enhance socio-economic conditions for low-income earners by improving access to affordable and high-quality housing. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, announced a significant investment exceeding NZ$15 million (FJ$20.30 million), with NZ$1.75 million (FJ$2.36 million) allocated specifically for the Ministry of Housing.
The funding aims to provide technical support, strategic planning, institutional development, and the establishment of a national housing database over the next three years. According to Mr. Nalumisa, this financial boost will enable the ministry to allocate resources more effectively to both new and ongoing housing projects.
Additionally, the Model Towns Charitable Trust will receive NZ$6,170,533 (FJ$8.4 million), with NZ$3.6 million (FJ$4.87 million) earmarked for the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) Programme. This program is set to enhance sanitation management in six informal settlements around the greater Suva area.
The government plans to provide technical support to refine policies and planning within the ministry’s regulatory framework and finalize the national housing policy. Financial assistance will also complement the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for the years 2025–2029.
The collaboration between NZ MFAT and the Ministry of Housing is built on trust, with both organizations dedicated to fostering a strong institutional partnership that enhances capacity and effectiveness in addressing housing needs.
This partnership is a hopeful sign for the future of housing in Fiji, aiming not only to provide immediate assistance but also to develop a more sustainable and effective housing policy framework in the long run. By focusing on both infrastructure and governance, this initiative could significantly uplift the living standards of many communities.
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