TRADE unionist Sailesh Naidu has proposed that the right to housing must be included as a provision in the new constitution.
While delivering his submissions at the Fiji Constitutional Review Public Consultation in Lautoka on Wednesday, Mr Naidu said many elderly citizens struggled to receive adequate care or income support while transportation issues persisted in rural areas.
“The Constitution of Fiji should not only protect political rights. It should also protect the right of every person to live with dignity,” he said.
“Today, many Fijians live in poverty despite working hard. Many families live in informal or squatter settlements without proper sanitation, drainage, roads, water supply, or secure housing.”
Mr Naidu said around 200 informal or squatter settlements existed throughout Fiji.
“Approximately 15 per cent of Fiji’s urban population live in informal settlements due largely to the lack of affordable housing.
“Research indicates that informal settlements may accommodate around 20 per cent of Fiji’s population and continue to grow.”
Citing Fiji Bureau of Statistics figures compiled by housing officials, Mr Naidu said more than 120,000 people were living in informal settlements in 2017.
“These settlements are often characterised by overcrowding, unsecure tenure, poor sanitation, flood risks, and limited public services. No constitution can claim to uphold human dignity while thousands of citizens continue to live in such conditions.”
While section 35 of the Constitution recognises housing and sanitation rights, it does not require the state to progressively eliminate informal settlements or ensure secure housing for vulnerable families. Mr Naidu’s proposed provision is to upgrade informal settlements to include access to safe drinking water, sanitation, drainage, electricity, roads, and tenure security.
“This would recognise the reality that thousands of Fijians currently live in such settlements and deserve dignity while long-term housing solutions are developed.”
