Housing minister seeks boost for first-home owners grant

An increase in the First Home Ownership Housing Assistance Grant is among the key priorities the Ministry of Housing hopes to secure in the 2026-2027 National Budget as it pushes ahead with housing, settlement upgrading and municipal development projects.

Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa said the grant played an important role in helping Fijians purchase land and property for the first time.

“Another very important aspect is the request for assistance towards the First Home Ownership Housing Assistance Grant. This is an assistance that is given to our people who are buying their properties, buying their land for the first time and we hope for an increase in that particular aspect.”

Mr Nalumisa said the ministry was also seeking continued funding for the formalisation and upgrading of informal settlements around the country.

“The ministry looks forward for the continuation of the provision of funding for some ongoing projects for the Ministry of Housing. We expect to continue financial support towards the formalisation of informal settlements across our country.”

He said new projects had begun in Vunika, Labasa, while work was also planned for the upgrading and formalisation of the Caubati informal settlement, alongside other ongoing settlement projects.

The minister said the Government was also expected to continue providing rental subsidies for low-income tenants living in Public Rental Board estates.

“We also look forward to the provision of subsidies to our tenants that are occupying the Public Rental Board estate. These are people who are earning below $16,500. They are given assistance through rent subsidies supported by Government.”

On the local government front, Mr Nalumisa said the ministry was seeking continued support for major municipal infrastructure projects.

“For the Ministry of Local Government, there are some ongoing projects that are currently managed with other municipalities around our country. And we look forward to the continuation of this funding for some major capital projects like municipal markets.”

He cited the Seaqaqa Market and other community amenities as projects requiring continued support.

Mr Nalumisa also said funding was being sought to complete the long-delayed Lautoka Swimming Pool project.

“Also would like to have some allocation towards the completion of the Lautoka Swimming Pool, something that has been ongoing for quite some time. We're trying to do an end to that particular project.”

The ministry is also hoping to secure funding to complete model township developments, including Keiyasi and the Nabouwalu township development programme.

Mr Nalumisa said an increase in waste management subsidies was also being sought to assist smaller municipal councils.

“And the Ministry has been supporting other municipal councils in terms of provision of subsidies to assist them in their waste collection.

“It's something we have asked for an increased allocation this year. It's really been a challenge for especially the middle to smaller size councils.”

He said many smaller councils also required financial assistance to meet operational costs, including executive salaries and allowances.

“So this is one of the key areas that we're hopeful to get some assistance, if not full, some assistance from through the 2026-2027 financial year.”

Mr Nalumisa said he remained optimistic about the upcoming budget.

“We expect the budget to be a very good one because there are things that we want to do in the department. Hopefully we'll get assistance from the allocation that we have requested so far.”