The government is expected to grant more than 450 leases for residential purposes on State land this year.
This has been confirmed by Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa in his written response to a question by Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu on State land sub-divisions for residential purposes.
Nalumisa says with regards to the pending grant of lease for residential purposes, as of 31 March 2024, the Ministry of Housing this year has 3 projects for issuance of leases.
He says these projects are based in the Western and Central Divisions.
The Minister says 451 sitting tenants are expected to be issued leases in Ledrusasa in Nadi, Cuvu in Sigatoka and Waidamudamu in Nasinu.
He says in addition, there are 4 ongoing projects in Sakoca in Nasinu, Tavela in Nadi, Tore in Lautoka and Field 4 in Lautoka.
Nalumisa says the Tore and Tavela projects are expected to be completed this year.
He also says this year, 4 projects based in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions, are expected to progress to the construction phase, subject to budget allocation.
These projects include Vuniika in Labasa, Valewaquyaya in Ba, Wakanisila in Nasinu and Delaisaweni in Lautoka.
Nalumisa adds there are 13 projects in the planning phase with engineering plans being developed for the Department of Town and Country Planning concept this year.
The Ministry of Housing has 4 development leases for the development of residential lots which include 146 households in Sasawira, Nasinu, 309 households in Caubati, Nasinu, 105 households in Cuvu, Sigatoka and 358 households in River Road, Nasinu.
He says these sites will be developed by the Ministry of Housing and once developed, the lots will be demarcated and leases issued to the households.
The Ministry of Lands issued 3,412 leases between 2014 to 2022 for residential purposes.
