Minister for Housing Maciu Nalusima has unveiled a new pilot housing assistance initiative designed to support over 600 households facing eviction from informal settlements across Fiji. This announcement came during a recent parliamentary session where Mr. Nalusima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges through its First Home Ownership Program. Launched in 2014, this program has already helped thousands of Fijians either purchase or construct their first homes.
Mr. Nalusima remarked, “The First Home Ownership Initiative has been a cornerstone of the government’s flexible approach to ensuring Fijian families have access to secure, dignified housing.” He highlighted how the initiative has adapted over time to meet the needs of low- and middle-income families.
The new pilot program specifically focuses on assisting families displaced from informal settlements, many of whom face significant challenges and uncertainty after losing their homes. Informal settlements have long provided shelter for low-income families who struggle to navigate the formal housing market. Mr. Nalusima acknowledged that such evictions leave many families vulnerable, lacking clear and viable paths to secure tenure or affordable housing options.
In a related effort to combat housing instability, the Fiji Development Bank is poised to revive its housing loan program for low- and middle-income families, which includes grants to support home construction and purchases. This is part of a broader government initiative that also allocates approximately $15 million towards formalizing several informal settlements and offering relocation funds when necessary, as noted by Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
Moreover, an allocation of up to $2.2 million will be directed toward relocation and resettlement plans for families affected by evictions. This underscores the need for collaboration among various government entities to provide effective protective measures for communities at risk.
The launch of this housing assistance program, along with other concurrent initiatives, reflects a proactive and compassionate government approach to addressing Fiji’s growing housing crisis. This multifaceted strategy brings hope for improved living conditions and stability for families facing the threat of eviction, as the government continues to work diligently towards long-term solutions that prioritize the welfare of its citizens.