Simione Namara, a victim of the Fiji Muslim League informal settlement fire in Nabua is the latest recipient of a home at the Lagilagi Housing Project.

While Mr Namara is not a permanent member of the Lagilagi Housing Project in Raiwasa, Suva, he has to meet the financial contributions required from a regular member.

This means he has to fork out at least $3000 by next month or face eviction.

Yesterday, Mr Namara was reminded by the Fiji Peoples Community Network (PCN) director Semiti Qalowasa to start making payments on his new flat.

The Lagilagi Housing Project is part of Government’s participatory squatter upgrading project, which is a joint partnership between the Ministry of Housing and the Peoples Community Network with Misereor, a German Catholic organisation.

Mr Qalowasa told Mr Namara: “I want you to increase your payment to $3000 by December because if not, you will be removed for another tenant to move in.

“If his payment is good by December he will be a permanent member and he will own the house when he completes his payment,” he said

Mr Namara said he was happy to receive the key to his new home and he would try his best to increase his payment.

Each home owner pays at least $40,000 for their new home. Members are expected to make payments every week, the minimum payment is $1.

“If Mr Namara can’t, we will find another tenant and reimburse his payments to help him find another home.”

Mr Qalowasa added that the Network (PCN) had been told by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to give homes to the fire victims.

“We have given them homes and it is now up to them to meet their payment because if not they would be removed.”

Another recipient, Suresh Prasad is a permanent member and had already paid $17,000. He said he was living with his son and his wife.

Four families who were victims of the fire at the Fiji Muslim League land at Nabua received keys to their new homes from Mr Qalowasa yesterday.

Two other families will receive their keys today.

Edited by Rosi Doviverata

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