Residents of Lagilagi settlement in Jittu Estate will soon own a house of their own after the launch of construction works today by the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Colonel Samuela Saumatua.
The ministry in partnership with the People’s Community Network (PCN) will construct a single or two bedroom houses for residents of the settlement.
The Lagilagi Project is a partnership between 164 families in the settlement and the PCN, whereby families are required to pay only $12,000 over a period of 12-14 years for the construction of their own homes.
It is the first time communities of a settlement will take a lead role in building their homes at Jittu Estate.
PCN Director, Mr Semiti Qalowasa said a funding of $1.5 million from Miseror -a German Catholic Bishops’ Organisation for Development Cooperation, assisted in the realization of the project.
“One of the things we do is prepare the mindset of the people and for them to be willing to move from where they are and give way to development,” Mr Qalowasa said.
The Fiji National University will be contracted to begin works at Jittu Estate and youths from the settlement will be trained to assist with construction works.
Government is also providing funding for the squatter upgrade with civil works worth $1 million and $400,000 injected for construction of other buildings for the next three years.