In a bold move to tackle the housing issues in Fiji, the Housing Authority, has unveiled three initiatives to make home ownership more accessible for Fijians.
At the forefront is the Housing Authority Model Homes project, which kicks off with the construction of 150 brand-new homes in the Nepani subdivision and these are set to become a beacon of hope for families hoping for a place to call their own.
Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa in launching these initiatives said the new affordable homes is an answer many in Fiji have been waiting for.
“The Model Home Intiative is one that is inclusive and climate-resilient and aims to reduce construction time, provide structural integrity and ensure affordability.”
“There are two types of conventional homes that will be constructed under this initiative. Of the two types of conventional homes, one will be using Pre-cast panel walls and the other will use light steel frame walls with panels. These two conventional homes are designed to be durable and sustainable for families and are part of Government’s efforts to showcase practical and scalable housing solutions that can be adopted across the country.”
Nalumisa added that the Village Housing Loan has been revived after more than a decade, targeting support for communities in rural and maritime regions and will fund the construction of new homes, the renovation and upgrading of existing residences, and the development of community halls and evacuation centers.
“Whilst Government continues to address housing challenges in the urban areas, it has developed another initiative, The Village Loan Scheme, this is a key product of Housing Authority that is being relaunched today and is aimed for families in the rural, peri-urban and maritime areas to access affordable financing for housing projects under the village housing loan products.”
“The Village Loan scheme includes construction of new homes; renovation and upgrade of homes, and construction and upgrade of community halls and evacuation centres. Under this scheme, close to 125 villages have benefitted.
Families earning under $30,000 annually will benefit from a fixed interest rate of 2% for five years, followed by a variable rate of 4% per annum. Those earning between $30,000 and $50,000 will receive a 3.5% fixed rate for the same period, transitioning to a variable 6% rate thereafter.
Naulumisa emphasized the government’s wider commitment to tackling squatter settlements and expanding access to affordable, safe housing.
“Government also wishes to convey our sincere appreciation to the Reserve Bank of Fiji Housing Facility for offering the interest rate of 0.25% per annum , enabling Housing Authority to provide these concessional lending to its customers whose combined annual household income is less than $50,000. This is one aspect of bridging the gap in the provision of affordable homes for families in the lower percentile group – the vulnerable and marginalised population.”
 The Minister added that over the next two years Housing Authority will also develop 400 residential lots in Tavakubu, Davuilevu, Nepani, Tacirua, and Korosalusalu.
