Plans to review housing policy

GOVERNMENT still has to contend with a high demand for affordable housing, says Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr Nalumisa said there would be a review of the National Housing Policy in line with the development of the new National Development Plan.

“A large proportion of our low-income households who struggle to afford decent homes have access to our public housing program managed by Public Rental Board,” he said.

“However, there is still a high demand that needs to be met.

“The ministry will continue to support the Public Rental Board in completing the Lagilagi low-cost housing project that will accommodate 36 families and further plan future development around Jittu Estate for development of affordable housing units.”

He added that the ministry continued to facilitate and support the implementation of the public-private partnership project with International Finance Cooperation to develop five sites to provide around 3000 housing units.

These sites are in Raiwaqa (Suva), Nepani (Nasinu), Wainibuku (Nasinu), Davuilevu (Nausori) and Tavakubu (Lautoka).

“The ministry will continue in assisting first time homeowners through the First Home Ownership Initiative for those with household income of below $50,000 as well as those between $50,001 to $100,000 and may access government grant to buy or build their first home.

“The ministry approved a total of 113 applications under the First Home Ownership Initiative with a total payout of more than $1.9 million.”