Farmhouses replaced by forever homes

Four families on Taveuni Island entered their new homes built under the Rural Housing Assistance (RHA) programme.

The homes were handed-over last weekend was by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka.

Two recipients from Nalele Settlement were Neomai Mataikorovatu and the Tadranisiga Methodist Church steward.

Ms Mataikorovatu family has been living in a farmhouse in their farm at Welagi for more than a decade.

“At times when it rains, the roof of our farmhouse would leak and I’d always long for the day when we will have a proper shelter where we could feel safe and comfortable,” she said.

“I am so grateful that God has provided this day for me and my family and I sincerely thank the Government for enabling us to own a house of our own.”

Ms Mataikorovatu first learned about the RHA programme when she visited the District Office in Taveuni to enquire about government assistance available to the public.

Upon learning about the housing programme, she quickly submitted an application.

“My husband used to farm yaqona and dalo, so we had some money saved, which helped us pay our one-third contribution after our application was approved,” she said.

“Government will do its part to help us, but we also need to contribute and be prepared for other related costs.”

Both families were assisted under scheme two of the ministry’s RHA programme, whereby recipients contribute one-third of the total construction cost, with the Government covering the remaining two-thirds.

Retired couple

The third family was a retired couple, Filomena Saurara and Petero Bogidrau of Navakawau Village in Vuna.

The couple initially built their home in the village after retiring from work in Vuo in Labasa, years ago.

“When our children grew older, we gave our house to our eldest son and his family and we all continued to live together,” Ms Saurara said.

“Although we enjoyed being with them, it never quite felt like having our own home.”

Their opportunity came when one of their daughters, working under the seasonal workers programme in New Zealand, surprised them by offering to pay their one-third contribution towards the RHA programme.

“I thank the Government for this huge help in making our dream of owning a home come true,” she said.

“My husband and I now feel a true sense of comfort, belonging and security in having a home to call our own.”

For this project, Ms Saurara contributed about $8621, while Government provided more than $26,000.

Filomena Saurara with husband, Petero Bogidrau of Navakawau Village in Taveuni stood in front of their new house on August 16, 2025.

Photo: Supplied

Their opportunity came when one of their daughters, working under the seasonal workers programme in New Zealand, surprised them by offering to pay their one-third contribution towards the RHA programme.

“I thank the Government for this huge help in making our dream of owning a home come true,” she said.

“My husband and I now feel a true sense of comfort, belonging and security in having a home to call our own.”

For this project, Ms Saurara contributed about $8621, while Government provided more than $26,000.

One of the homes built under the Rural Housing Assistance (RHA) programme.

Photo: Supplied

A Yaqona Farmer

Another recipient of Vuna District was Saimoni Matawaqa, 51, a yaqona farmer from Delaikatoba Settlement.

His home was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

Since then, Mr Matawaqa, his wife and their two children have been living in a small lean-to structure.

After learning about the RHA programme during a Government delegation visit to neighbouring Navakawau Village in 2022, Mr Matawaqa decided to plant 700 yaqona plants to raise funds for his one-third contribution towards the house.

Two and a half years later, he harvested his yaqona, earning $24,000, which covered his contribution and other expenses for his housing project.

“For years, my family and I have prayed for a proper home,” Mr Matawaqa said.

With the farming I did, I knew I was a step closer to this day and to finally see my children in a safe, comfortable house fills my heart with gratitude.

I thank the Government, especially the ministry, for helping make this dream a reality,” he said.

Mr Ditoka said the housing support offered by the RHA programme towards Mr Matawaqa and his family was just an extension of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving housing access in rural and maritime areas for ordinary Fijians.

“Government remains committed to ensuring rural Fijians have access to safe, affordable and disaster-resilient housing.”

He said programmes such as the RHA was designed to give families stability, dignity and a better quality of life.

“This programme is about partnership. It’s encouraging to see families taking the first step by saving and contributing towards their homes.”