RURAL HOUSING SCHEME BRINGS HOPE TO TAILEVU VILLAGERS

16/01/2025

“I only wish my husband were alive to see the fruits of his hard work and the culmination of our shared dream to provide a better home for our family.”

These were the sentiments of Mrs. Ulamila Buto Vosa, the wife of the late Adriu Vosa, expressing her gratitude as one of seven recipients who received keys to their new homes. 

The homes were provided through the Rural Housing Scheme, managed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, which supports families displaced from Vatukoula, now residing in Delakado village, Tailevu.

The emotional mother of six couldn’t hold back her tears of joy as she thought of her late husband after receiving the keys to their new home.

“So many emotions when I saw my children this morning; it brought back memories of how we used to plan to one day build a proper house for them.”

In 2007, her husband was among the workers laid off from their jobs in Vatukoula, forcing the family to return to their village. Although the transition was challenging, they managed to survive. Through funds accessed from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), they covered their one-third contribution to the housing scheme.

Mrs. Vosa recounted that after being laid off, her husband turned to farming to support the family. In 2023, he took up an opportunity to work with a pine company in New Zealand.

“With the money he earned in just one month, he sent it to us, and I started a canteen business and bought livestock. Last year, when he visited, it was heartbreaking that we lost him shortly after. It’s been a tough journey, but I’m grateful that what was once a dream is now a reality. I thank God for my loving and hard-working husband who made this possible.”

Mr. and Mrs. Vosa are beneficiaries of the Rural Housing Scheme under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development. The Rural Housing Assistance Programme supports the housing needs of rural and maritime communities, prioritising those permanently residing in villages, rural settlements, and non-urban areas.

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.

The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to meeting the needs of vulnerable communities by providing safe, resilient, and affordable housing.

“This initiative reduces disaster risks, provides affordable shelter to remote rural dwellers, and facilitates access to basic utilities and critical services,” Minister Ditoka said.

Under the Vatukoula Housing Project, seven families in Natadradave, Nabualau, and Delakado villages in Tailevu received keys to their new homes and renovated bathrooms and toilets.

Projects Under the Vatukoula Scheme; 
1. Iliavi Nawaqa Housing Project
Total Cost: $30,768.30
Location: Delakado Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

2. Pauliasi Qio Housing Project
Total Cost: $30,768.30
Location: Nabualau Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

3. Rusiate Delai Housing Project
Total Cost: $30,768.30
Location: Natadradave Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

4. Seveti Ravesi Toilet & Bathroom Project
Total Cost: $23,708.24
Location: Natadradave Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

5. Tomu Onowalu Toilet & Bathroom Project
Total Cost: $22,391.78
Location: Natadradave Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

6. Apenisa Balawa Housing Project
Total Cost: $19,195.00
Location: Nabualau Village, Dawasamu, Tailevu

The total cost of this project is $188,368.22.