Government to review $5k fire grant as building costs rise

The Government is reviewing the $5000 fire victim assistance grant amid rising construction and material costs.

This was confirmed by Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa while responding to Opposition MP Parveen Bala in Parliament this week.

Mr Nalumisa acknowledged the grant amount needed reassessment since the policy was introduced in 2015.

“$5000 is the amount currently being used just to see the family go on with their lives and be provided with some kind of shelter,” he said.

“The policy was legislated in 2015, but as I said, we are in the process of refining the policy and with the increase in construction costs as well as material costs, that can also be taken on board and be reviewed.”

The Fire Assistance Grant helps low and middle-income households earning $50,000 and below rebuild homes lost to accidental fires.

Eligible households must prove ownership, confirm the property was uninsured, and provide confirmation from the National Fire Authority that the fire was accidental, along with a police report.

Since 2015, 248 households have received assistance totalling $1.245 million.

The programme was expanded in 2023 to include agricultural lease holders and members of landowning units on mataqali land outside village boundaries.

Mr Nalumisa said the ministry would continue refining the policy based on emerging needs and lessons learned.

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