Public Rental Board general manager Timoci Naleba has confirmed that new plans are in progress for access to affordable housing with good sanitation, especially for those living in informal settlements.
Mr Naleba said they were working up a plan that would require the help of the Government and the people, to help lessen the number of those living in informal settlements as 46,000 people in Suva alone are squatters.
“Our Constitution clearly states that everybody is to have access to affordable housing and good sanitation,” Mr Naleba said.
“So, how can we say that these people that are in squatter settlements, 46,000 in Suva alone, are living in that condition, which is a fundamental right under the Constitution.
“There are 46,000 living in that condition, which shows that the Government is not doing enough.
“But, the Government can allocate resources to make sure that these fundamental rights are accessed by everyone.
“We can all, as a nation, come together and put 3 cents per every dollar aside. Even those with houses can invest and give in their 3 cents.
“And at the end of the seventh year, they can take it back if they don’t want a house.
“It’s not a tax but a saving scheme but one thing we need to remember is that most Fijians can’t really save.
“This is where the Government can initiate it so that we can save.”
Mr Naleba said Minister of Finance Biman Prasad was a man of his word as he had promised Fiji that the National Federation Party would spend $200million a year for four years for affordable housing.
“I know the minister is a man of his word, it’s just that we need to remind him again that what he said is true.
“If he allocates that amount and gets the Coalition Government to agree on that particular number, it should really help us.
“If they can’t make it in the manner to give it from the Government’s office, at least consider having this particular initiative for the grant, which is a levy.
“And at the same time, look at the market on how we can re-invest this fund that is coming through this levy to regenerate funding for affordable homes.”
