Informal settlement construction phase on par: Minister Naulumisa
THE Coalition Government is optimistic that the domestic economic growth will certainly return to the pre-pandemic level. This was highlighted by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, while contributing to the motion on the address by the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, during the opening the 2024 Session of Parliament.
“The projected growth rate of 3.8 per cent for 2024 and 3.0 per cent for 2025 is a testament of good financial management and effective policies by the Coalition Government,” he highlighted.
“Housing is fundamentally a human right enshrined in our 2013 Constitution and plays a crucial role in the development of our country as it not only provides shelter but also contributes to economic growth.”
“Over the years, there has been a growing focus on sustainable and affordable housing to address the increasing demands for housing in urban and rural areas,” he added.
He relayed that the new National Development Plan (NDP) earmarked to be finalised in June will set out the collective efforts, initiatives and programmes for a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
“In line with the formulation of the new NDP, the review of the National Housing Policy will now be aligned to Government priorities to ensure consistency and a more streamlined coordination amongst Government, private sector, and nongovernment organisations,” he said.
“The Ministry will continue to facilitate and support the implementation of the Public Private Partnership project with International Finance Cooperation for developing five sites that will provide around 3000 housing units in Raiwaqa, Nepani, Wainibuku, Davuilevu and Tavakubu.”
“Land development projects carried out by Housing Authority provide housing options for low- and middle-income earning families,” he added.
Minister Naulumisa states that in December 2023, Covata Subdivision in Labasa was completed providing 103 residential lots.
An online portal was also established to provide an efficient and transparent platform for the public to lodge their applications to purchase a lot and build their own dream homes.
“The Mokosoi subdivision project in Deuba nears completion and is expected to provide a total of 34 lots with allocation of green areas which the public can use for sports or leisure activities,” he said.
“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 grants to buy or build their first home.”
“In this financial year the Ministry approved a total of 113 applications under the First Home Ownership Initiative with a total payout of more than $1.9 million,” he added.
He underlined that a review of the income brackets will be conducted to ensure the most deserving low-income households will have access to financial support to meet their housing needs including the most vulnerable in society.
“The Ministry’s Informal Settlement Upgrade Programme will continue with upgrades of informal settlements providing settlers with access to basic utilities such as water, sanitation, electricity, drainage, and road and 99-year lease titles providing long term security tenure,” he highlighted.
“Three informal settlements have had their upgrades completed following vigorous challenges with a total of 451 households undergoing lot allocation process to receive 99-year lease titles in Ledrusasa, Nadi with 76 households, Cuvu in Sigatoka with 105 households and Waidamudamu in Nausori with 270 households.”
“Four informal settlements are in construction phase at Sakoca in Nasinu, Tavela in Nadi, Field 4 and Tore in Lautoka with a total of 378 households,” Minister Nalumisa added.
By the end of this financial year, the Ministry will have an additional four informal settlements ready for construction phase in Vunika in Labasa, Wakanisila in Nasinu, Valewaquyaya in Ba and Delaisaweni in Lautoka with a total of 350 households.