Six informal settlements across the country will undergo improvements as part of the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) initiative. The upgrade will include the installation of new rock-lined drainage systems, footpaths, boardwalks, and twelve wet pods in the six selected areas.
The settlements targeted for this upgrade are Komave, Nauluvatu, Matata, Vunibua, Wailea, and Muanivatu. During the launch of the RISE project at Fiji National University on Wednesday, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, highlighted the planned improvements. These will feature spot backfilling of waterlogged zones, the setup of 74 pressure tanks at six sites, six communal sewage tanks, and the construction of three treatment wetlands in Komave, Nauluvatu, and Vunibua. Furthermore, a demonstration site at Tamavua-i-wai will showcase the use of multiple pressure tanks and treatment wetlands.
The RISE initiative aims to significantly reduce the community’s exposure to contamination risk by at least 80 percent through these enhancements.
Mr. Nalumisa also emphasized the theme of “Leaving no one behind: Partnership for improving community health through safely managed sanitation for all.” He reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Housing, to assist with RISE Fiji, ensuring that all Fijians access safe and affordable housing along with essential services in revitalized informal settlements.
A funding allocation of $1 million has been approved for the fiscal year 2023-2024, alongside an additional $1 million earmarked in the 2024-2025 budget. Additionally, the Ministry is reviewing the 2011 National Housing Policy to address the challenges posed by rapid urban growth and to better align land development through improved planning.
This project is executed in collaboration with Monash University, while governance and oversight are provided by both the Ministry of Housing and NZMFAT.
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