More families will benefit from affordable housing following the opening of 16 new Public Rental Board flats at Lagilagi Housing, Jittu Estate in Raiwaqa.
While officially opening the new flats, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said that every new home creates dignity, security and opportunity.
He highlighted that the development is more than just the opening of another housing project; it reflects the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for people through inclusive, people-centred development.
He stressed that providing safe, affordable and quality housing allows families to thrive, children to pursue their education in stable surroundings, communities to contribute to social and economic development, and congregations to come together to worship.
Rabuka says the government has come a long way since the previous handover of flats at the estate, with more housing projects undertaken in the Suva–Nausori corridor.
He says these developments demonstrate the government's willingness to work in collaboration with traditional landowners who are prepared to make land available for affordable housing projects.
He also spoke on the recently announced 2026/2027 National Budget, and admitted that it had been a difficult one to deliver.
He says many people would have expected something better. However, the government had to be realistic, and it was a Budget that was well thought out.
He says the Ministry of Housing will continue with key programmes in the next financial year, including the First Home Ownership Initiative, the formalisation of informal settlements, and the relocation and resettlement of families living in informal settlements.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the housing sector continues to face challenges, including rising construction material costs, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the impacts of climate change.
He says that despite these challenges, the government remains committed to addressing housing needs.
He says affordable housing remains a significant pillar of national development, supporting poverty reduction, safer and more inclusive communities, and economic growth.
He also called on the new tenants to help build safe, drug-free communities.
Following the opening of the 16 new flats, the Prime Minister also officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for another PRB housing development.
PRB General Manager Timoci Naleba revealed that the Public Rental Board plans to construct another 24 flats at the new site.
Naleba says the estimated cost of constructing the 16 new flats was about $3 million, with a significant portion of the expenditure going towards civil works.
He says that, while the market value of each flat is about $210,000, the Board will subsidise the units to ensure they remain affordable for eligible families.
He says the occupants for the new flats have not yet been selected, but they will be chosen from families living in the Jittu Settlement.
Naleba says lessons have been learnt from previous housing projects, and the selection process will ensure prospective tenants are financially capable of maintaining their tenancies and paying their rent.
He says eligibility will be based on a maximum combined household income of $30,000 and below.
He adds that they hope to complete the selection process as soon as possible.
