The Lagilagi Housing Project was initiated to tackle the pressing need for affordable housing in Jittu Estate, a major squatter community in Fiji. However, the project has encountered several setbacks over the years, ultimately contributing to the downfall of the non-governmental organization (NGO) responsible for its oversight.
As one drives along the newly paved Lagilagi Housing Road in Jittu Estate, the contrast between the newly developed concrete residential units and the adjacent squatter settlement is stark. Recently, 36 housing units have been completed, and work continues on a multipurpose facility nearby. Despite these advancements, many families in the area continue to live in cramped and inadequate housing conditions.
The People’s Community Network (PCN), which initiated the project, aimed to uplift housing conditions not only in Jittu Estate but in other informal settlements across Suva. Following the dissolution of PCN from the project, the government transferred the initiative to the Public Rental Board (PRB) to complete the remaining residential constructions.
PCN was established in 2009, emerging as a separate entity from the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA) under the leadership of the late Father Kevin Barr, who was dedicated to addressing socio-economic challenges in Fiji. Their efforts included social workshops aimed at understanding and addressing the causes of poverty in squatter settlements, an issue compounded by factors such as low wages and unemployment.
The Lagilagi Housing Project represented a shift towards community-led development. When the first 33 units were opened in 2013 by then-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, the initiative was hailed as a new model for providing housing for the less fortunate, fostering ownership among residents. Funding arose from a combination of resident savings, government support, and contributions from the German Catholic organization Misereor.
Challenges arose when the Ministry of Local Government shifted away from supporting PCN, leaving them to contend with construction costs and logistical delays. Allegations of financial mismanagement within PCN further complicated matters, leading to investigations and legal challenges that ultimately proved unsubstantiated for the board members, who were acquitted in 2023.
Despite past struggles, there is a renewed commitment to the Lagilagi Housing Project. The government has allocated funds to refund deposits made by residents who faced difficulties securing housing. Moreover, the completion of the latest residential units brings the total to 117 families benefitting from improved living conditions.
Looking forward, the PRB is working on housing even more families currently residing in inadequate accommodations, with plans for recreational areas to enhance community well-being. While challenges remain, including ensuring prioritization for Jittu Estate residents, there are ongoing efforts to create a better living environment for families in need.
In summary, the Lagilagi Housing Project illustrates both the struggles and resilience of community-led housing initiatives in Fiji. As the project moves towards its envisaged completion, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government and NGOs, showcasing the potential for hope and improved living standards in the future.
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