Seven families in Malakati Village, Nacula in Yasawa, have begun a new chapter of safety and stability after the commissioning of their newly built homes.
Since Yasawa often faces cyclones and strong winds, families who received the new engineer-approved homes are confident they will remain safe in future storms — unlike in the past, when cyclones shook their houses and blew their roofs away.
During the commissioning, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka says the project symbolised the strength of collaboration between the government and rural communities.
He says the homes stand as symbols of what can be achieved when government and communities work together with a shared vision.
Ditoka acknowledged the community’s unity, commitment, and labour contributions during the project and reaffirmed that providing safe and resilient housing remains a national priority.
He adds that housing is not just shelter, it is security, dignity, and the foundation upon which families can grow, thrive, and plan for a better future.
The homes were built under the Ministry’s Rural Housing Assistance Programme, a cost-sharing initiative that encourages community participation and ownership.
Under the arrangement, the Malakati community contributed over $84,000, while the government funded the remaining $253,000.
The government also covered all cartage expenses to ensure the safe delivery of materials to the remote village.
