Minister for Housing Maciu Nalusima has introduced a new pilot housing assistance program aimed at supporting over 600 households that have faced eviction from informal settlements throughout Fiji. This initiative was announced during a parliamentary session where Mr. Nalusima emphasized the government’s continued commitment to housing issues under the broader framework of its First Home Ownership Program, which has already facilitated thousands of Fijians in purchasing or constructing their first homes since its inception in 2014.
“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,” stated Mr. Nalusima. He noted that the program has evolved over the years, adapting to the needs of low- and middle-income families.
The new pilot specifically targets those families displaced from informal settlements, many of whom are experiencing significant hardship and uncertainty after losing their homes. Given that informal settlements have historically provided shelter for low-income families unable to navigate the formal housing market, Mr. Nalusima admitted that the evictions leave families vulnerable without clear paths to secure tenure or affordable housing.
In alignment with similar government initiatives aimed at addressing housing instability, it has been reported that the Fiji Development Bank is set to resume its housing loan program to assist low- and middle-income families. This includes grants for home construction and purchases to further boost accessibility to housing. Moreover, the government has allocated approximately $15 million to formalize several informal settlements and provide relocation funds where necessary, as highlighted in parallel efforts by Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
Additionally, up to $2.2 million will be directed toward relocation and resettlement plans for families in areas facing eviction, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various government entities to ensure protective measures for affected communities.
The introduction of this housing assistance program, in conjunction with other initiatives, signals a proactive and compassionate approach from the government to tackle the pressing housing crisis in Fiji. Through this multifaceted strategy, there is a resonating hope for enhanced living conditions and stability among families that have faced the uncertainty of eviction, as the government works diligently to foster long-term solutions that prioritize community welfare.