Minister for Housing Maciu Nalisima told Parliament yesterday that six remaining blocks at the Public Rental Board’s Mead Road estate have been declared structurally unsafe, prompting ongoing relocation efforts for all affected tenants.
Nalisima said the blocks—home to 144 households—were inspected by engineers who confirmed that the buildings, most of which are over 50 years old, can no longer be safely occupied.
“The remaining six blocks at the PRB Mead Road estate have been certified by engineers to be structurally unsafe. These buildings have stood for more than five decades, and it is no longer safe for families to remain there,” he told Parliament.
He said the PRB has already held two rounds of consultations with tenants to raise awareness about the safety risks and to explain the relocation process.
“We have also conducted socio-economic assessments to determine the financial status of all tenants and to ensure we can assist them with the most suitable housing solutions,” he explained.
Nalisima stressed that the board has been “fully and actively engaging” with all affected families to ensure their transition is managed fairly and humanely.
“We want to reassure every tenant that they will be equally supported and rehoused. No family will be left behind,” he said.
According to the Minister seven tenants have already been relocated to the Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART).
Four families have applied for available lots or homes through the Housing Authority, nine households have opted to return to their villages and fourteen families have been relocated to other PRB flats within the Suva area.
For the remaining tenants, Nalisima said the Ministry of Housing is working closely with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development to provide continued support.
“We want to assure the remaining tenants that the Ministry of Housing is working closely with PRB to complete the relocation of all affected households. Our priority is their safety, their welfare, and ensuring that every family has a secure place to move to,” he said.
