The Local Government and Housing Ministry is facing ongoing challenges with land availability, prompting a shift in where new housing developments will take place, says Minister Maciu Nalumisa.
Addressing land tenure issues and the non-renewal of leases, he said land access remained essential for any housing project.
“For people to have a house, they must have land. That’s something we are working on, and we are so thankful that TLTB is now coming on board to assist the Ministry, even with the relocation of informal settlements,” he said in an interview with The Fiji Times at the Fiji Architecture Conference and Trade Exhibition 2025.
“That’s something that we are thankful for, TLTB is willing to work with the Ministry of Housing, as well as our Lands Department.”
Mr Nalumisa said land scarcity was evident from Suva to Nausori.
The ministry is securing property from private landowners and shifting its focus to other regions. The Public Rental Board has secured land in Namelimeli, Navua.
“So now we’re not only constructing Suva, we’re also moving to other areas.”
Mr Nalumisa said this expansion to Navua and Korovou was necessary because housing demand would continue as more people moved to urban centres.
On affordability, he said the Housing Authority had adopted a new approach by engaging contractors to build model homes, which had brought down construction costs.
“So now they’ve engaged a few contractors to construct model homes for them, and amazingly the construction cost has really come down, which is good, because once construction cost comes down, then the idea of affordability is something that can be addressed,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“It comes down to construction cost.
“So, land is available at a good price, and people can construct the homes within the best minimum price, but as long as the quality is not compromised, terms are not compromised, they’ll be good for the people of Fiji.”
