A review of the 2011 Housing Policy by the Coalition Government is important in addressing the complexities of housing issues and urbanisation, which continues to increase worldwide and in Fiji.
The Minister for Housing Local Government Hon. Maciu Nalumisa while speaking on the update on Phase 2 of the National Housing Policy Review, said that a consolidated engagement is needed to drive transformative change in Fiji’s housing sector and to enhance the effectiveness of our policies.
“Urbanisation is rising both globally and within our country. By 2050, it is projected that 70 percent of the global population will reside in urban areas, while locally an additional 30 percent of the population is expected to live in urban areas by 2030.”
Minister Nalumisa added that rapid urban growth necessitates the adoption of sustainable practices that integrate land development and promote legislative reforms in enhancing urban planning.
“The Coalition Government’s commitment is to transform the housing sector, which is in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (DSG) 11 and stands to create sustainable, safe, inclusive, and resilient citizen communities.”
The Ministry of Housing was allocated $32.4 million in the 2024-25 Budget, of which $63,000 is for the implementation of a National Housing Policy Plan.
The Budget stated in light of the current housing shortage, addressing housing issues and policies is critical not only from a social perspective but also as a part of Fiji’s economic development strategy.
This commitment reflects the government’s priority to improve every Fijian’s quality of life by enhancing access to essential services and infrastructure and by developing a housing sector that is resilient to climate change impacts.
“The revised Housing Policy integrated sites generated from thorough background research and stable consultations, ensuring strong alignment with Fiji’s Strategic Framework, such as the three-year National Development Plan (NDP) 2025-2027 and the 5-year NDP 2025-2029 that was launched recently.”
“The Ministry of Housing will meticulously analyse all public submissions and comments, providing a comprehensive summary of consultation’s outcome to Cabinet alongside a final draft of the National Housing Policy for consideration and endorsement,” Minister Nalumisa said.