To address the housing demand in Nadi, the Public Rental Board (PRB) has acquired a fully developed lot in Matavolivoli from the Housing Authority (HA) following a sales and purchase agreement signed on Monday.
PRB General Manager Timoci Naleba announced plans to develop the lot into 76 flats, comprising 40 one-bedroom units and 36 two-bedroom units. The development will also feature a spacious car park and a double-storey community hall. Naleba emphasized that the project would be environmentally friendly, incorporating solar panels for external and staircase lighting and an underground rainwater harvesting system.
Housing Authority CEO Ritesh Singh stated they remain committed to providing affordable housing for low-income earners. “Our role is to facilitate first-time home ownership through land development,” said Singh. He mentioned recent projects where the Housing Authority developed and sold 100 lots in Duavata, Labasa, and a 34-block project in Makosoi, Pacific Harbour. Additionally, over 100 blocks are available in Tavakubu, Lautoka.
Singh highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to increase opportunities for first-time home ownership in the country. “We recognize the demand for housing, whether for rental or first-time homeowners. Collective effort and partnership with stakeholders are essential to boost first-time ownership.”
He added that in subdivision developments, they allocate blocks for PRB to ensure such communities are part of the development. Singh explained their integrated approach model, where 20 percent of blocks are set aside for high-end properties while the remaining are designated for low- to medium-income earners.
Through the allocation of Matavolivoli lots, an additional 10 percent of subdivided blocks was designated for existing PRB tenants, Singh noted.