Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar says a total of 260 applications have been approved under the First Home and First Land Grant Assistance Program with a payout in excess of $3.7 million.
While speaking in Parliament today, Kumar says this assistance increases economic activity and creates much needed employment opportunities for Fijians.
She says three capital projects in Ledrusasa, Cuvu and Waidamudamu are completed or near completion under the Upgrade of Informal Settlement Programme where over 450 households will soon receive their 99 year leases.
The Minister has also responded to Opposition Members asking why is it taking so long to upgrade the informal settlements.
Kumar says they cannot settle for short-term assistance or quick-fix solutions and government’s investment in upgrading informal settlements is both extensive and long term.
Kumar adds they are currently in discussion with several local developers for possible housing development partnerships.
