The Ministry of Local Government and Housing has announced plans to relocate close to 400 families this financial year, as part of its program for settlements that cannot be formalised. Minister Maciu Nalumisa confirmed that the initiative will directly benefit families from Vatuwaqa, Veidogo, the Nabua Muslim League area, and approximately 63 households in Kilikali.
Minister Nalumisa explained that the Ministry has already identified suitable green land and is working closely with the Lands Department to acquire parcels from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). Discussions are also underway with private landlords, with several expressing willingness to provide land for development. Once acquisition is complete, the Ministry will begin preparing the sites by providing basic infrastructure such as roading, water supply, and, where possible, electricity.
A total of $2.2 million has been allocated in the current budget to support land acquisition and site preparation. This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that families living in informal settlements are provided with secure housing opportunities and access to essential services.
In addition to relocation efforts, the Ministry has directed the Housing Authority (HA) to review its policies to ensure that families who qualify for financing can access land lots. Minister Nalumisa emphasized that this policy review is critical to enabling more Fijians to purchase land through the Housing Authority, thereby strengthening pathways to home ownership.
Looking ahead, the Ministry’s long-term strategic plan is to develop or construct at least 1,000 homes or serviced land parcels each year over the next five to six years. This ambitious target is designed to address Fiji’s national housing demand, which Minister Nalumisa estimates at between 6,000 and 7,000.
The relocation program represents more than just a housing initiative—it is a commitment to dignity, security, and opportunity for families who have long lived in settlements that cannot be formalised. By combining land acquisition, infrastructure development, and policy reform, the Government is laying the foundation for sustainable housing solutions that will benefit thousands of Fijians in the years to come.