‘Free house plans’
Government reviewing national housing policy
GOVERNMENT will provide engineer-certified Category 4 house plans to maritime dwellers at no cost.
This, according to Housing Minister Premila Kumar.
She said the plan would include a concrete “core house” which would act as a shelter during severe weather events.
The minister made the comment while speaking during a virtual Asian Development Bank webinar consultation on Thursday.
Mrs Kumar said Government was reviewing its national housing policy because of the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the region.
“The frequent and increasing occurrence of natural disasters had a major impact on the housing sector, especially those living in the rural and maritime areas as well as informal settlements,” she said.
Mrs Kumar said in most cases, weak house structures built using timber, corrugated iron and other materials did not meet the minimum structural standards to withstand even the weakest tropical cyclone.
“Recognising this, the Fijian Government is currently reviewing its National Housing Policy.
“The intention is to introduce long term, resilient housing solutions to all Fijians.”
The minister said to assist Fijians, a Category 4 engineer-certified plan had been designed and would be provided to maritime dwellers at no cost.
“This new design has a ‘core house’ which includes a concrete structure with living room, kitchen and sanitation facilities.
“In case of an emergency, the living room can be easily converted to a sleeping area and this can be a ‘safe house’ for the family.
“The second component is a timber structure extension with two bedrooms separating the core house by a covered breezeway.”
She said designs could be downloaded online and endorsed by municipal councils. Councils would also supervise construction.