Fijians seeking housing assistance under the First Home Ownership Initiative can now expect quicker processing times, thanks to the Housing Ministry’s first new digital platform launched by minister Maciu Nalumisa and Australian High Commission counsellor Andrew Shepherd this week.
The platform is designed to streamline the grant application process, shifting from manual, paper-based systems to a centralised, digital-first approach.
Mr Nalumisa said the digitisation initiative would improve efficiency and transparency, while also reducing processing delays.
“This is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to modernise and simplify the First Home Ownership Grant application process,” he said.
“Traditionally, the ministry managed First Home Grant applications using manual, paper-based methods, which led to large volumes of document submissions from financial institutions.”
The initiative has supported more than 3500 Fijian households since its inception in 2014, enabling them to either build or purchase their first homes.
Mr Nalumisa said the new portal was developed in response to growing demand for housing support and is part of a broader digital transformation effort spearheaded by the resource optimisation sub-committee, comprising several permanent secretaries, in 2024.
“With centralised data now readily accessible through the portal, both the ministry and respective financial institutions can make more timely, informed decisions.”
Mr Nalumisa acknowledged the Australian Government’s support through the Institutional Vuvale Partnership Program, describing it as instrumental in delivering the project.
