Minister for Housing Maciu Nalisima informed Parliament that six blocks at the Public Rental Board’s Mead Road estate have been deemed structurally unsound, necessitating the ongoing relocation of all affected tenants. These blocks are home to 144 households and have been inspected by engineers who confirmed that, owing to their age—most being over 50 years—they can no longer be safely occupied.
“The remaining six blocks at the PRB Mead Road estate have been certified by engineers to be structurally unsafe. These buildings have stood for more than five decades, and it is no longer safe for families to remain there,” Nalisima stated during the session.
To address this pressing issue, the PRB has conducted two rounds of consultations with tenants to highlight safety concerns and outline the relocation process. Nalisima noted that socio-economic assessments have also been performed to understand the financial situations of all tenants, ensuring they receive appropriate housing assistance.
The Minister emphasized that the board is fully committed to engaging with all families affected by this decision to facilitate an orderly and humane transition. “We want to reassure every tenant that they will be equally supported and rehoused. No family will be left behind,” he asserted.
So far, seven tenants have already found new residences with the Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART). Additionally, four families have submitted applications for available lots or homes through the Housing Authority, nine households have chosen to return to their villages, and fourteen families have moved to other PRB flats within the Suva area.
For the remaining tenants, Nalisima assured that the Ministry of Housing is actively collaborating with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development to ensure continued support. “Our priority is their safety, their welfare, and ensuring that every family has a secure place to move to,” he concluded.
This proactive approach by the Ministry demonstrates a commitment to tenant safety and community welfare, providing hope that all affected families will find suitable accommodations during this challenging transition.
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