The Coalition Government through the Ministry of Housing is steadfast in its commitment to shaping Fiji’s housing landscape through immaculate strategy planning and policy formulation.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Housing and Local Government and Acting Minister for Health and Medical Services in his keynote address at the very first Symposium for Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus today. (23.10.24)
The Minister said the objective of the RISE program is to improve basic sanitation services in our communities to improve overall health and well-being of our community residents, and this is supported and implemented by Monash University, both the Ministry of Housing and NZMFAT provide governance and oversight in these activities.
“The RISE program aims to eliminate the risk of exposure to contamination or reduce the community’s risk to exposure to contamination by at least 80%”
Acknowledging the theme of “Leaving No One Behind: Partnership for Improving Community Health through Safely Managed Sanitation for Al”, Hon. Nalumisa said the Coalition Government through the Ministry of Housing has continued to support RISE Fiji in ensuring that all Fijians have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing, basic services and revitalising informal settlements in Fiji.
“Funding assistance of $1 million has been approved for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and an additional $1 million in the 2024-2025 budget.”
“The Ministry is also undertaking an institutional reform via the review of the 2011 National Housing Policy with the aim of addressing the complexities of rapid urban growth and facilitate the harmonising of land development aspects through enhanced forward planning.”
He added in this financial year 2024-2025, Fiji’s Ministry of Housing is excited to have New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as key stakeholders, providing governance oversight and technical advice.
“Through this bilateral partnership, the New Zealand MFAT aims to support Fiji’s ambition to improve socio-economic outcomes for low incomes in Fiji through improved access to quality, affordable housing, support good governance between the partners and facilitate efficient management of resources for greater efficacy and impact.’
“RISE planned interventions includes a new rock-lined drainage works, Footpaths and boardwalks, Twelve Wetpods across six settlements (Komave, Nauluvatu, Matata, Vunibua, Wailea and Muanivatu), spot backfilling for waterlogged areas, installation of 74 pressure tanks across six sites, six communal sewer tanks, construction of three treatment wetlands at Komave, Nauluvatu, and Vunibua, a demonstration site at Tamavua-i-wai featuring multiple pressure tanks and treatment wetlands.”
The Minister also said these RISE operations are closely aligned with Fiji’s commitment to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 11 which aims to ensure cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and is also enshrined in Section 35 of the Fiji Constitution.
“The Ministry of Housing and RISE Fiji are committed to realizing the goal of “providing an effective system that ensures accessible and adequate housing,” as outlined in the 2025-2029 National Development Plan and Vision 2050.”
“With more than 250 informal settlements housing about 25% of our population, the Ministry is collaborating with partners to implement urgent upgrades”
Concluding his remarks, the Minister said discussions today will focus on exploring best practices, sharing lessons learnt, and highlighting case studies that illustrate how the RISE approach can support Government initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by informal settlement residents.
He noted the goal for this symposium is, to foster collaboration among various stakeholders and lay the groundwork for the inter-agency task force, enhancing the partnership between RISE, Government, and NGO partners.