The Ministry of Housing in Fiji, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT), is taking significant strides to enhance the socio-economic conditions of low-income earners by improving access to quality, affordable housing. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, revealed that New Zealand’s government is investing over NZ$15 million (approximately FJ$20.30 million). Of this amount, NZ$1.75 million (around FJ$2.36 million) is specifically designated for the Ministry of Housing’s initiatives.
This funding will aid in providing technical assistance, strategic planning, and institutional support, alongside the establishment of a national housing database over the next three years. Nalumisa emphasized that this investment is designed to empower the ministry, enabling more efficient allocation of resources toward both new housing projects and current initiatives.
Additionally, the Model Towns Charitable Trust will receive NZ$6,170,533 (FJ$8.4 million), which includes NZ$3.6 million (FJ$4.87 million) directed to the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) Programme. This programme aims to enhance sanitation management in six informal settlements located in the greater Suva area.
The government plans to provide necessary technical support to improve policy and planning within the ministry’s regulatory framework and finalize the national housing policy. Financial assistance will also be available for the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2029.
The collaboration between NZ MFAT and the Ministry of Housing is built on a foundation of mutual trust and dedication to strengthening institutional capacity and effectiveness, marking a promising step toward urgently needed housing reforms in Fiji.
This initiative not only addresses pressing housing and sanitation issues but also fosters international cooperation for sustainable development. It opens doors to better living conditions for vulnerable communities, and with continued commitment from both governments, it holds the potential for transformational impacts in the coming years.
Leave a comment