By Felix Lesinaivalu
It was a dream come true for Alena Buinimasi when she got the news that her application for a house under the Rural Housing Assistance Programme had been approved.
The proud mother of four said it was through the love and support of her children that she managed to pay the $8,000 for her new home.
Mrs Buinimasi, who hails from Somosomo in Taveuni with links to Bau Island, said that ever since she got married it was her dream to own a house.
“My children supported me to get this new house and everything was done with ease, from the building materials to the people building the house.”
“They were always calling me asking me about the progress of the house and whatever help I needed, and I am really thankful to them.”
“I would like to thank the Government of the day and the District Officer in Taveuni for coming up with this initiative that helps a lot of people.”
She also extended her gratitude to the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development for helping her making transactions easier and manageable for her.
Mrs Buinimasi added that for people who want a house under the initiative, they must have the money to do so as it will make things easier for everyone and you may be able to finally own your own house.
The Rural Housing Assistance (RHA) Programme was established to provide affordable housing assistance to support the housing needs of rural and maritime communities.
The programme is aimed at prioritising assistance to those that are permanently residing in villages and rural settlements, in non-urban and peri-urban areas.
Mrs Buinimasi applied for scheme two which requires the applicant to pay one third (1/3) contribution in cash while the Ministry meets the rest of two thirds (2/3) of the total project costs.
The scheme is targeted at individual applicants.
Under the 2024-25 National Budget, it states that the Rural Housing Assistance Programme aims to promote safe, resilient, adequate and affordable housing for the rural and maritime areas; thereby reducing the disaster risks for vulnerable communities.
The RHA Program was allocated $3 million in the 2024-25 National Budget.