Demand for housing continues to rise across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Suva City Council’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report this week, principal policy officer Alitiana Yabakivitu said the growing population and limited land availability were major contributors to the nation’s housing crisis.
“Suva City has a goal of providing an effective system that ensures accessible and adequate housing for all persons, groups, and associations (PGAs),” she said.
Among the key issues identified were land scarcity, increasing informal settlements, a lack of sufficient housing options, and limited housing assistance.
Ms Yabakivitu also highlighted concerns around housing quality, the rising cost of building materials and the need for greater resilience in housing infrastructure.
“Affordability remains a major concern.
“The sector also grapples with impacts of climate change, poor construction quality, skill shortages, low productivity, limited access to housing finance and insurance and disaster recovery constraints.”
The VLR report, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), aims to address these challenges by strengthening collaboration between the ministry and municipal councils.
“We will work closely with the Suva City Council and other municipalities in identifying areas suitable for relocation and resettlement.
“This includes advancing our resettlement policies to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Ms Yabakivitu said the ministry hopes the implementation of the VLR will help overcome key barriers to housing affordability and accessibility.
