ABOUT 3000 Fijians applied for just 100 new Housing Authority homes, highlighting the country’s deepening housing shortage and the increasing struggle faced by low–income families seeking secure accommodation.
Housing Authority chief executive officer Isikeli Navuda confirmed that the first allocation round prioritised households earning below $50,000 a year, with many successful applicants coming from families earning below $30,000. Some recipients earned as little as $18,000 to $20,000, reflecting the authority’s push to target those most in need.
“These are earmarked for the low-end customers of the Housing Authority,” he said.
Nearly 2900 applicants were unsuccessful, but Mr Navuda assured them that they would remain in the database.
“They will automatically be considered for the next batch.”
The allocation was carried out using a system–based selection process — described by Mr Navuda as a structured “barrel draw” — to ensure fairness and transparency.
A portion of the homes was also reserved for Public Rental Board tenants and people living with disabilities, aligning with broader government policy to support vulnerable groups.
The overwhelming response, Mr Navuda said, underscored the urgency of addressing housing needs nationwide.
“This is only the beginning.”
Owners to receive homes next month
THE first batch of Housing Authority homes built to withstand Category 5 cyclones will be handed over to new owners next month, marking a major step in the Government’s drive to provide safe and affordable
housing.
The homes are part of the Nepani Stage II development, a 40-acre subdivision in Nasinu designed to meet the growing housing demand in the Suva–Nasinu corridor, fuelled by population growth, rural–urban migration, and pressure on rental markets.
Housing Authority chief executive officer Isikeli Navuda confirmed all safety and infrastructure standards had been met before occupation.
“These buildings are cyclone–certified up to Category 5.
Before any of this is occupied, we need that certificate,” he said.
Mr Navuda said essential utilities — including water, sewerage, and electricity — were being finalised, with the subdivision delivered fully serviced. Key partners include Energy Fiji Ltd, Water Authority of Fiji, Fiji Roads Authority, and municipal councils.
He noted the initiative builds on earlier government-funded programs providing climate-resilient homes, with grants and subsidies keeping costs affordable.
“There is a big demand out there, and it is our task to try and get as many homes and as much land as possible to deliver for the people of Fiji.”
He assured those not selected in this round that more homes were under development.
