For Meresiana Wasa of Navaradra Settlement in Taveuni, the provision of a house by the Government has been a life-changing relief. After losing her husband in a tragic boat accident on the Qawa River in 2018, Ms. Wasa faced significant hardships. She has been raising five children alone, three of whom have physical disabilities.
Despite the challenges, Ms. Wasa persevered with the help of her supportive relatives. In 2023, she applied for housing assistance through the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection’s Family Assistance Scheme. On December 18, 2024, Hon. Jovesa Vocea, Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, handed her the keys to her new home.
Ms. Wasa is one of four beneficiaries who recently received houses under the Rural Housing Assistance (RHA) Programme. She was assisted through Scheme 4, while the other three recipients benefited under Scheme 2.
The RHA Programme was designed to meet the housing needs of rural and maritime communities by offering affordable housing solutions. In 2023, it was reassigned to the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management to sharpen its focus on providing housing to those in villages, rural settlements, and peri-urban areas.
The revamped RHA Programme operates under five schemes and aims to promote housing that is safe, resilient, and affordable. It also seeks to mitigate disaster risks, offer shelter to underserved rural populations, and improve access to basic services and utilities.
During the handover ceremony, Hon. Vocea highlighted the program’s renewed objectives.
“The RHA was moved back to the Rural and Maritime Development Ministry to better serve those eligible in these sectors. The programme’s core mission—to deliver safe and affordable housing—is reinforced by ensuring homes can withstand category 5 cyclones,” he said.
He also reminded recipients of their role in maintaining their new homes, stating, “While the Government provides these houses, their upkeep is now your responsibility to ensure they stand the test of time.”
In the Northern Division, 23 RHA projects were carried out during the 2023-2024 financial year, with a total budget of $751,278.00. The four projects handed over last week cost $101,846.12, with the Scheme 2 recipients contributing $25,862.10.
Other beneficiaries included Ms. Mereoni Biauniceva of Qeleni Village, Ms. Alena Buinimasi of Soqulu Settlement, and Mr. Pita Salele of Buca Village. Mr. Salele expressed his heartfelt gratitude, sharing that his family now has a secure home.
Applications for the RHA Programme can be submitted online or through district offices. For further details, visit: https://bit.ly/49NFo6I
