These were the sentiments of Rusiate Delai, one of seven recipients who were handed the keys to their new homes.
The homes were made possible through the Rural Housing Scheme, run by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, which supports families displaced by the closure of the Vatukoula Gold Mine. Now, these families call the villages of Delakado, Nabualau, and Natadradave in Tailevu their home.
Back in 2006, everything changed for Rusiate when the company that he was employed by at Vatukoula Gold Mine shut down, leaving him and many others without work. Faced with uncertainty, he made the tough decision to return to his village, unsure of what the future would hold.
“Life in the village, however, wasn’t always easy; earning money was slow, sometimes taking weeks or even months. It wasn’t easy; the days were long, and I had to rely on farming to make ends meet. But I kept pushing forward, doing whatever I could.”
Rusiate highlighted that it was not easy to be turned away every now and then with the last government, but he kept holding onto the belief that something better was coming.
“It was frustrating when we were told we’d be assisted ‘next month’ but nothing evantuated. Waiting was hard, but I stayed hopeful. Eventually, when the Coalition Government stepped in, my housing project was completed.”
Under Scheme 2, applicants contribute one-third of the project cost in cash, while the Ministry funds the remaining two-thirds. The program offers:
-Construction of new houses using approved 24’ x 16’ plans.
-Extensions to existing structures, including kitchen and sanitation facilities.
-Retrofitting homes to withstand Category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones.
-Completion of unfinished structures.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, spoke about the importance of the program, highlighting that it’s not just about giving people houses but about giving families the stability they need to thrive. We want to ensure that people like Rusiate have homes that can withstand whatever nature throws their way.
“This isn’t just the Government’s work, the one-third contribution from the applicants shows their commitment to building a better life. It’s a partnership that strengthens our communities.”
The Rural Housing Assistance Programme is more than just about constructing homes. It’s about building resilience. These homes are designed to withstand some of the strongest cyclones in the world, ensuring that families not only have shelter but a secure space to rebuild and thrive.