Structural upgrading works for 63 residential properties in the Housing Authority Matavolivoli stage 1 sub-division have begun.
Housing Authority chief executive officer Alipate Naiorosui said that this was another major achievement as this was a long pending issue since 1998, with a series of court cases finally settled in the Lautoka High Court in July of this year.
The rehabilitation project began on 3rd August 2011 and is expected to be completed by the end of December 2011. Upgrading works included roof framing upgrading, cyclone shutters, floor and wall cracks and wall panel joints repairs.
The properties were inspected by an independent engineering company and they had submitted a report on the works that was needed to be done. Housing Authority will bear the initial cost of the upgrading works and customers who benefit from this will have their loan accounts restructured with new terms and repayments. Customers also have the option of paying off loans through their FNPF funds as well.
A special project team has been set up by the Housing Authority to oversee the upgrading works from its initial stages to its completion. Earlier in June of this year the Housing Authority had called for Expression of Interest from construction companies to join a penal of builders specifically for this project.
Naiorosui added that, “At the completion of this project new engineer’s certificates and completion certificates will be issued and will greatly assist the tenants to qualify for some other benefits that are offered by the Housing Authority.”
In 2006 a total of 66 homes were also upgraded by the Housing Authority and other improvements carried out by the home owners themselves out of which some have already paid-off their home loans.
The project like most of the developments of the Housing Authority are in line with Pillar 6 of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Prosperity and Governments vision of Affordable, Quality and Decent Housing for all by 2020.