THE Public Rental Board must look beyond providing rental accommodation and create pathways for low-income families to eventually own their homes, said Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa.
Speaking at the launch of the PRB Strategic Plan 2026-2030 in Suva on Tuesday, Mr Nalumisa said rising urbanisation and growing demand for housing required the board to plan for future development and work more closely with the private sector.
He said the board needed to ensure it could meet its strategic objectives while providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions for the public.
“The board is facing a lot of housing challenges,” he said.
“There are more people now living in urban areas, so it is their duty to make sure they have enough stock as far as their real estates are concerned.
“This is a place where people can help and work, from renting to at least buying those flats, rent to own.”
Mr Nalumisa said partnerships with financial institutions and other housing providers could help tenants move towards home ownership.
He also highlighted the need for policies to address tenancy management challenges, including situations where families faced eviction and had nowhere else to go.
“That’s what the strategic plan has as well, on tenancy management, there must be policies in place so they can promote whole houses.”
He said the Government had opportunities to assist people seeking to buy homes, but practical and affordable arrangements were needed to make ownership achievable.
