CLOSE to 150 households in Delaisaweni informal settlement in Lautoka will soon be given proper leases.
The 147 households were surveyed by the Ministry of Housing through government’s Informal Settlement Upgrade program.
According to the ministry, the formalisation process began in July, 2020, and will run until January, 2027.
The consultancy component of the project is valued at $359,591 with an annual lease rental fee of $2300 for the plots while construction works is valued at approximately $10.66million.
While launching the formal upgrade of the households, Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa said the project was made possible through the goodwill and cooperation of the land owners.
“This project has been made possible through the goodwill and cooperation of the Mataqali Nabasara, in the Tokatoka Wadigi, the landowning unit whose partnership has been instrumental in enabling this development,” he said. “On behalf of the Coalition Government I would like to sincerely thank the landowners for supporting this initiative. “I am also pleased to announce that the construction works valued at approximately $10.7m will be undertaken by the developer, Mobile Crane Hire Pte Ltd.
“The upgrading of informal settlements remains a key priority for the Government as we continue to address the housing needs of our growing urban population. “Projects such as Delaisaweni are part of our broader national commitment to ensuring that all Fijians have access to safe, secure, and dignified housing.”
He said the works would include the development of essential infrastructure such as access roads and the improvements of drainage systems around the area.
“This initiative will assist families living in informal settlements obtain proper lease titles for their families and future generations.
“It is something that we will continue to do.”
