Government eyeing more land parcels, homes

One of Government’s objec­tives is to provide afford­able houses and land lots to those who do not have access to residential land and proper leas­es, says Parveen Bala, the minis­ter responsible for housing.

Mr Bala was speaking to mu­nicipal leaders on the topic ’’Town Wide Informal Settlement’’ pro­jects under the National Housing Policy.

Mr Bala’s address was part of the Fifth Fijian Local Government Fo­rum at Albert Park yesterday.

He said the informal settlers in the past were referred to as squatters.

“In the past we have found out that the majority of the settle­ments have been on the basis of ‘vakavanua’’ arrangement be­tween the landowners and ten­ants,” Mr Bala said.

He said the national issue which was addressed by an agreement inked between the Ministry of Local Government, Housing, En­vironment and the iTaukei Land Trust Board for the issuance of the development lease to enable the two parties to meet the Gov­ernment’s national objectives.

“There was also an understand­ing of the parties that the min­istry shall pay fair and equitable rent and premium to TLTB for the benefits of the members of the land-owning units.”

As of today, the Ministry and TLTB had processed 14 develop­ment leases in the Western Divi­sion benefiting an estimated of 4250 people.

In the Central Division, develop­ment leases for seven settlements have been issued to benefit at least 8800 people and in the Northern Division, development leases have been issued for five settle­ments with around 2300 people tobenefit.

Mr Bala said the upgrading pro­gramme includes proper roads, electricity, reticulation, water and sewerage drainage.

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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