THERE are more than 250 informal settlements across the country and the issue remains a major concern for Government, Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa said.
“This is really a challenge for the Government right now,” he said.
“As articulated in the Constitution, every Fijian must have access to proper housing.
“We’re trying to look at the whole framework around our housing sector and start asking hard questions on why people decide to reside in informal settlements.
“We have been talking about this for quite some time and the issue for us now is to find out how best we can address the issue.”
He said the ministry currently had 48 development leases.
“It’s part of the ministry’s initiative to formalise some of these informal settlements.
“There are some informal settlements where it’s really difficult to formalise.
“That’s why we are in the process of reviewing the Informal Settlement Act because there are some gaps that we have noticed.
“It’s also making it difficult for the ministry to come in and assist and relocate those who are living in informal settlements, for example, those that are not living on state land.”
Mr Nalumisa said there were also challenges such as single mothers living in informal settlements.
Mr Naumisa says the Ministry of Housing will have consultations on the issue to get views of all the stakeholders.
“I think that’s something that needs to be done now because if we don’t do this, people will continue to live in the informal settlements.”
