More than 240 households have received government support under the House Fire Assistance Scheme since its inception in 2015, Minister for Housing Maciu Nalusima told Parliament as he outlined improvements aimed at reaching rural and maritime communities more effectively.
Nalusima said the scheme has so far provided $1.245 million in grants to families who lost their homes to fire.
“Since its inception in 2015, a total of 248 households have been assisted, and the total government grant of $1.245 million has been provided,” he said.
He said one of the major strengths of the program is its expansion beyond urban centres to ensure rural and maritime communities are not left behind.
“Some of the key elements of this program have been extended to rural and maritime areas, with verification by provincial administrators and roko tui offices,” Nalusima said. “We recognise the unique challenges faced by these communities, such as limited access to government services and logistical constraints.”
The Minister said the Ministry of Housing works closely with local administrators to verify home ownership and confirm applicants’ eligibility—critical steps to ensure assistance reaches genuine cases.
A key development occurred in 2023, when the eligibility criteria were widened to include more categories of land tenure.
“The eligibility criteria were broadened to include agricultural leaseholders, cane lessees, and members of landowning units residing on mataqali land outside village boundaries,” Nalusima said.
