Families residing in informal settlements are urgently seeking government support to cope with escalating living costs and inadequate access to essential services ahead of the 2025-2026 National Budget. At the Lagilagi informal settlement in Raiwaqa, residents are vocal about their daily hardships, including soaring food prices and insufficient infrastructure.
Mrs. Laiseana Balaira, a resident who faces challenges due to diabetes, highlighted the burdens their families endure, where many lack direct access to basic utilities such as electricity and clean water. “We have no electricity – we only use solar; we share water with neighbors since there is no connection,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of increased social welfare allowances, which currently fall short of fulfilling their basic needs. Balaira mentioned that with only $115 in social welfare funds available to her husband, the family struggles to manage expenses effectively.
Echoing her concerns, 22-year-old Fulora Balaira noted the impact of high grocery costs on her family. She pointed out that her husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, barely earns enough to cover their basic needs, underscoring calls for raising the minimum wage from $5 to $7 per hour. “My family spends over $400 on groceries every two weeks, leaving little for savings,” she lamented.
The difficulties faced by families in informal settlements are not unique to Lagilagi. Similar issues have been reported by low-income families in places such as Bouma and Namara settlements, where fishermen and residents struggle without reliable access to electricity and running water. Many in these communities hope for specific support measures to enhance their living conditions as the government prepares its budget plan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad has acknowledged the pressing need to address these challenges, stating that the government is considering increased social welfare allowances as part of budget discussions.
The prevailing circumstances paint a concerning picture of life in informal settlements, yet the anticipation for necessary government support brings hope for improvement. By acknowledging the hardships and amplifying the voices of those affected, there’s potential for meaningful changes that can help elevate the living standards of families in these vulnerable communities.
This ongoing dialogue regarding informal housing conditions illustrates a collective resilience among residents, symbolizing a shared aspiration for a brighter future where all citizens have access to dignified living conditions, safe housing, and essential services.
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