A $10 million allocation to formalise informal settlements will fund two new projects and continue work on six others.
This as Government pushes ahead with improving living conditions for families living without secure land tenure.
During the Committee of Supply debate on the 2026-2027 National Budget, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya asked Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa which settlements would benefit from the allocation.
“Just on the formalisation of informal settlements, I think $10m has been assigned to that,” he said.
“Can you just tell us which informal settlements are actually being formalised within this financial year?” Mr Koya asked.
In response, Mr Nalumisa said two new projects were being planned.
“So far, we have eight ongoing projects. The new ones are Lovu Seaside and Caubati. These are the new ones that will be undertaken in the next financial year,” he said.
“The ongoing ones are Tavela in Nadi, already been commissioned.
“We also have Tore in Lautoka, which is about to be completed. Then we have Sakoca, also near completion, Field 4 in Lautoka.
“The second one is Valewaquwaquyaya in Ba. Vunika in Labasa is also a new project that we have started in this financial year. It will take another one and a half years to be completed.
“Then we have one Nabare in Lautoka.”
The funding is separate from the ministry’s relocation budget and is aimed at upgrading existing informal settlements through infrastructure and subdivision works instead of relocating residents.
Formalisation programs generally provide roads, drainage, water, electricity, and legal land tenure, allowing families to remain where they are while improving living conditions and creating recognised residential communities across Fiji.
