Thirty-six families who were offered homes in the Lagilagi Housing project in January are currently facing delays in moving into their new flats. Timoci Naleba, the General Manager of the Public Rental Board (PRB), confirmed that the sluggish progress is due to some tenants submitting outdated documentation. These documents require additional verification to ensure clear ownership and to prevent disputes, especially given the complexities arising from long-term residents in the Lagilagi area.
Mr. Naleba emphasized the necessity of thorough due diligence, stating, “We don’t want to give flats to those who have recently moved in. We need to prioritize long-term residents—those who have been residing there for over 10 years.”
Despite these delays, Naleba conveyed optimism about the ongoing processes. He mentioned that the verification of documents is now complete. The PRB will soon conduct an induction exercise for the families, aimed at familiarizing them with the unique “strata title ownership” model under which their flats will be allocated. This model specifies that while tenants will own their respective flats, the PRB will maintain the common areas, shifting the responsibility for interior maintenance to the tenants.
By the end of September, most families are expected to move in, contingent upon the successful completion of their documentation and financial assessments, as they need to demonstrate financial capability to undertake ownership responsibilities. He stated, “By the end of this month, most of them should be moving in depending on the documents that they have and their financial capability.”
The Lagilagi Housing initiative represents a significant effort by the government to address affordable housing shortages and enhance living conditions for low-income families. The project has seen challenges, particularly during its transition from the People’s Community Network to the PRB. However, the recent developments signal a broader commitment to improving housing conditions in Fiji, especially for families that have been waiting for stable housing arrangements.
The ongoing efforts to support these families indicate a positive direction in handling the housing crisis, which continues to be a pressing issue within the community. As the PRB makes strides to finalize the housing units and facilitate the move-in process, there is renewed hope for better living conditions for those in need.
Leave a comment