25% of Fiji’s population live in informal settlements

Twenty-five per cent of the Fijian population live in informal settlements in towns and two cities across Fiji.

Minister for Housing and Community Development Maciu Nalumisa said this was collected from more than 250 informal settlements in the country.

The Ministry is collaborating with partners to implement urgent upgrades in informal settlements around the country.

He added that the Ministry was looking to conduct surveys to understand the circumstances of people living in informal settlements.

This he said was done to identify those who can afford to buy land and housing and graduate from informal settlements.

The ministry would ensure that all Fijians have access to adequate, safe and affordable housing, basic services and revitalising informal settlements in Fiji.

“Funding assistance of $1 million has been approved for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and an additional $1 million in the 2024-2025 budget,” Mr Nalumisa said.

“The Ministry is also undertaking an institutional reform via the review of the 2011 National Housing Policy with the aim of addressing the complexities of rapid urban growth and facilitate the harmonising of land development aspects through enhanced forward planning.”

He added that the ministry has also warned Fijians against buying properties from informal settlements across the country.

This was after the Ministry has had to deal with a case where a person who recently purchased a home in an Informal Settlement for $10,000 cash without any formal documentation of ownership.

The ministry said to their dismay, the original landowner has now resurfaced, claiming no knowledge of the transaction and demanding that, the consumer vacate the property.

He said the ministry urged potential homebuyers to exercise extreme caution when considering properties located in informal settlements in Fiji.

“Residents of these settlements may be subject to eviction at any time without notice, leaving them vulnerable to significant financial losses and displacement.”

The ministry added that these settlements often lack access to basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, which can significantly impact quality of life and health.

“Numerous reports have surfaced of unsuspecting homebuyers who have paid substantial sums of money for properties in these areas, only to be later denied ownership and evicted.

“The Ministry strongly advises potential homebuyers to prioritize properties located in established, legally recognized neighborhoods.”

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