The Social Democratic Liberal Party will design proper policies and create specific ministerial departments to accelerate the development and reintegration of Fijians from informal settlements to improved housing facilities.
This, according to SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka after a visit to Nanuku and Wailea settlements in Vatuwaqa, Suva recently.
He said a SODELPA government would focus on providing affordable housing, free education and increasing the minimum wage.
“SODELPA recognises that education is the key component of many poverty eradication policies,” Mr Gavoka said.
“We will implement free education up to the tertiary level for all our students who are qualified to enter any registered tertiary provider in Fiji.
“Many of us today grew up poor, but education helped us escape from poverty.
“Immediately, SODELPA will deliver on its minimum wage policy of $5 an hour or a living wage of $200 per week per family that will be meaningful to those living in poverty.”
Mr Gavoka said he was appalled at the conditions people in Nanuku and Wailea were living in and called on Government to ensure that “charity begins at home”.
