A recent 2023 profiling exercise conducted by the Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with civil society organizations, has revealed that a staggering 78% of street dwellers in Fiji are concentrated in Suva. Out of 200 individuals identified nationwide, 155 were found in the capital. This statistic highlights the pressing issue of homelessness and the systemic challenges tied to urban planning in the city.
During a panel discussion on Suva City Council’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR), civil society representative Salote Malani emphasized the historical context of land scarcity and urban planning issues that have contributed to homelessness. She pointed out that many individuals who migrate to Suva do so in search of employment opportunities, but the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of workers who subsequently found themselves homeless. Many of these individuals were able to return to their villages when economic activities ceased, revealing that many are connected to landowning families in surrounding provinces.
Malani’s call for a “50-year plan for Suva” underscores the necessity for a long-term, strategic approach to address these challenges and create safe living environments. She acknowledged the commendable efforts of community members who have opened their homes to street dwellers, recognizing the power of grassroots initiatives that can often be more effective than top-down approaches.
The concerns raised mirror those from previous discussions regarding the rising number of street dwellers in Suva, where the Catholic Church’s representatives have also been vocal about the need for a coordinated response. They have stressed that many street dwellers are iTaukei and highlighted urgent health implications, calling for collaborative efforts to address both immediate needs—like food and shelter—as well as long-term support such as counseling services and job training.
Efforts to tackle the homelessness crisis are ongoing. Various organizations, including the Suva City Council, are working together to explore sustainable solutions that focus on transitional housing and skills training to help reintegrate street dwellers into society. There is a sense of hope that through dialogue, community involvement, and proper planning, lasting change can be achieved in improving living conditions for all Fijians.
The situation calls for not only immediate intervention but also systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness in Suva, offering a pathway for a more inclusive and stable urban environment for the future.
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