Government has invested nearly $16million in the Public Rental Board (PRB) Lagilagi Housing Estate project, aimed at providing affordable housing for low-income earners in Jittu Estate.
Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa informed Parliament last month that the project began in 2009.
“It was started by the previous government, in conjunction with the Pacific Community Network Charitable Trust, commonly known as PCN, together with the German Catholic organisation,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“So far, the Government has contributed an investment of close to $16 million.”
Project Purpose and Progress
Mr Nalumisa said the project’s goal was to assist PCN in constructing low-cost housing units for Jittu Estate’s low-income residents.
Since the project’s inception, 117 units have been completed. However, 36 additional units remained incomplete.
“On January 17, 2024, Cabinet approved for the Public Rental Board (PRB) to manage and complete the 36 incomplete units at Lagilagi Housing Estate,” he said.
“I am pleased to inform the House that the 36 incomplete units were completed by the PRB with a budget of close to $3m. They managed to complete the work at a cost of $1.6m, and these units are about to be opened soon.”
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for partnering with his ministry and PRB to develop recreational spaces for residents of the new units and the existing 117 families.
“Close to 160 families will reside in the area, not counting the additional 1400 families living on the other side of Jittu Estate,” he noted.
However, the minister acknowledged that space constraints posed challenges for future expansion.
“The PRB initially planned to build two-bedroom units, but due to limited space, fewer units can be constructed,” he said.
“We’ve requested the redesign of the units to accommodate more families. This is part of phase two while the 36 families will soon receive offers to occupy the newly completed units.”
Discussions are also underway with the Ministry of Lands to transfer additional parcels of land to the PRB to facilitate further construction.
Prioritising Jittu Estate residents
Mr Nalumisa emphasised that residents of Jittu Estate would be prioritised for new housing opportunities.
“In phase two, some flats were allocated to people not residing at Jittu. However, we have adjusted the process to ensure that only Jittu residents are considered,” he said.
“The goal is to relocate people from informal settlements and provide proper housing. As PRB expands, more blocks will be constructed to accommodate Jittu residents.”
Addressing grievances
The minister also addressed concerns regarding families victimised by PCN.
“Most families affected by PCN have been refunded.
“Refunds were issued to those with receipts for accommodation. For those with receipts for other services, such as education, we have begun processing their cases. This is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts.”
He reiterated the focus on Jittu Estate residents, ensuring that those living in informal settlements are prioritised.
Tenant surveys and investigations
PRB conducted a social survey of existing tenants who previously engaged with PCN.
“Some tenants claimed to have paid significant sums and provided receipts. PRB and the ministry will continue reviewing cases to assist those affected.”
Opposition MP Premila Kumar raised concerns about irregularities highlighted in the Special Investigations Report, including non-eligible tenants occupying flats.
“A foreign person and even a 10-year-old child were found to own flats, facilitated by PCN,” Ms Kumar said.
She enquired whether the ministry would act on these irregularities.
Mr Nalumisa acknowledged the issue, stating the ministry would pursue the matter.
“That was an arrangement by the organisation, but the ministry will address it further,” he said.
