A member of Fiji’s Standing Committee on Social Affairs has expressed urgent concerns about the potential escalation of issues within the nation’s informal settlements, urging that affordable housing must be prioritized. During a recent committee hearing, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Aliki Bia, shared his personal journey growing up in a settlement, highlighting that the housing crisis has persisted for years due to insufficient attention from both government and Parliament.
Bia pointed out the necessity for robust initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing options for Fijians. He reflected on his background, stating, “I have a Melanesian background; this is a generational issue. Growing up, we thought that it is right to live in this illegal settlement. But I think awareness and education need to penetrate down to our education level to teach students about building proper housing.”
Echoing Bia’s concerns, Public Sector Housing official Manasa Lesuma acknowledged that previous responses to the housing shortage have often been reactive. He underscored the critical need for initiatives that promote awareness in schools regarding the importance of adequate housing. Lesuma confirmed plans to incorporate this message into educational programs to foster better understanding among the youth.
Moreover, he delineated ongoing efforts to facilitate home ownership, with several initiatives awaiting Cabinet approval. “We have been directed through Cabinet to develop a resettlement and relocation program for the next five to ten years to address informal settlements. This is part of our ongoing work,” Lesuma noted.
In alignment with these efforts, comprehensive strategies are being devised to provide secure land tenure and long-term resolutions for informal settlements. This initiative involves collaboration with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Ministry of Lands. Such a proactive governmental approach illustrates a commitment to solving longstanding housing challenges, bringing hope for improved living conditions and a better quality of life for those residing in informal settlements.