Housing ministry relocates to Korobasaga House
The Ministry for Housing and Community Development is now relocated to Korobasaga House, Gorrie Street in Suva. The Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar says the new office which is a triple-story building, accommodates 33 staff as well as the UN Habitat teams that will provide a one-stop shop for all ministry programmes and initiatives.
“The move is a timely one and the new space would provide more streamlined services for the Ministry of Housing and Community Development (MHCD) customers,” Minister Kumar said.
Ms Kumar added that the reception area featured a dedicated waiting area, which comprises 100 per cent recycled pallets that are used as seats.
The pallets were sourced from various warehouses where they had been discarded, while the coffee tables were made from pallets that were part of packaging for new equipment at the ministry.
“Such setting makes it easier for all our customers to access our services and share their problems with us,” Ms Kumar said. “Therefore, having such spacious waiting areas and the large conference room at the ground floor, makes it convenient for our customers, especially those with special needs to access our services.”
Online presence
Ms Kumar also stated that while the ministry’s new website and Facebook page marked a new chapter for the ministry, it also enabled customers to access information and services of the ministry, with a click of a button from the comfort of their homes.
“Developing new digital and online platforms are a critical part of the Ministry’s transformation and service delivery, especially now amidst the COVID–19 pandemic,” Ms Kumar said.
“Members of the public do not have to physically visit the office, as they can either access information from our website – www.housing.gov.fj or Facebook page and call us or post a comment should they need any clarification.
The Ministry of Housing and Community Development was established in August 2018 as a separate ministry with the responsibility of managing multiple programmes under the Housing Assistance Programme, Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme (ISUP) and the Social Housing Assistance Programme (Public Rental Board, Housing Authority, Rural Housing Assistance).
The Ministry is also working closely with other stakeholders on various projects including UN Habitat in the implementation of the UN Adaptation fund programme the Revitalising Informal Settlements and Environments (RISE). It is co-funded by the New Zealand Government and managed by Monash University and Habitat for Humanity for its Housing Access and Upgrades for persons with disabilities and public and private sector partnerships with the International Finance Corporation.