More homes that are affordable for low and middle-income households are expected to be built in the country as Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa confirms that the Public Rental Board and the Housing Authority plan to construct more houses in the coming years.
While responding to the President’s address in Parliament, Nalumisa says over the next five years, the Housing Authority plans to deliver a total of 1,463 houses and 4,356 serviced lots.
He says this amounts to 5,819 housing opportunities, significantly strengthening the national housing supply and ensuring that the Authority’s immediate delivery aligns with its long-term expansion strategy.
Nalumisa says this year the Authority will deliver 136 housing units and 404 serviced lots, totalling 640 housing opportunities.
He adds that these 2026 outputs form part of a comprehensive housing delivery programme aimed at significantly increasing housing supply across the country.
The Minister says the homes are termite-proof, fire-resistant and certified to withstand Category 5 cyclones while remaining affordable and accessible to low and middle-income households.
Nalumisa also highlighted that Opposition MP Hem Chand’s statement in Parliament was misleading and incorrect when he referred to the coalition government’s approach towards the formalisation of informal settlements.
He says the MP should recognise the efforts made by the coalition government in completing development projects that were not achieved during the previous administration’s term.
Nalumisa confirms that work continues on other informal settlement upgrading schemes.
He revealed that the Valewaquyaya project in Ba and the Vunika project in Labasa are expected to be completed in the next financial year, while the Nabale and Delaisau projects in Lautoka are expected to commence later this month.
The Minister says the Lovu and Seaside projects in Lautoka, as well as Caubati, are expected to commence around July this year and are scheduled for completion by 2028.
Nalumisa says 10 projects are currently in the planning phase, five will advance to the planning stage in the 2025–2026 financial year, while 20 projects remain in the preliminary phase, ensuring a strong pipeline of future housing opportunities across Fiji.
He also confirms that the Informal Settlements Act 2022 is currently under review.
Insert: Nalumisa on projects, 10th Mar 26
Nalumisa adds that the Public Rental Board has made notable progress in improving housing opportunities for its tenants and supporting pathways towards secure housing.
He says the Board also plans to construct 157 additional housing units at the Lagilagi Housing Estate to expand housing options for tenants.
The Minister adds that in January 2025, 49 families received offer letters from the Public Rental Board to purchase their units, marking an important step towards home ownership.
