Salutations:
Cabinet Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Senior Government Officials
Chief Executive Officers of Statutory Authorities
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
Bula Vina’a and Good Afternoon to you all. Today marks a truly significant milestone as we gather to celebrate the opening of the strata units as part of the Lagilagi Housing Project.
This event signifies the completion of these much- needed homes initially designed for rental purposes for the thirty-six (36) families who currently reside at the Jittu Estate.
Background
The Lagilagi Housing Project was initiated more than a decade ago by the People’s Community Network Charitable Trust to provide low-cost housing for families currently living in informal settlements, particularly in Jittu Estate.
In January 2024, Cabinet endorsed the Public Rental Board’s (PRB) involvement in completing the 36 unfinished units and overseeing the management of the Lagilagi Housing Project.
This decision was made after recognizing the urgent need for a dedicated body to ensure the completion of these remaining units and their allocation.
The transfer of the project from the People’s Community Network (PCN) to the PRB signified a crucial shift in the management of this long-stalled initiative. Government’s focus was clear, which is to ensure that these strata units were completed by the end of 2024, providing homes for families in need.
The Government through the Ministry of Housing recently conducted a Social Survey at the northern end of the Jittu Estate, following which the survey recorded a total of 332 houses which accommodate a total of 1,498 people. These include the 36 families that will be offered strata units today which they can eventually call, “home”.
Project Overview and Costs
Ladies and Gentlemen, this event signifies the end of Phase 2 of the project which is the completion and handover of an additional 36 two-bedroom flats valued at $2.2million. PCN had completed 117 of the 153 flats which are now occupied and provide homes to 462 people.
Moreover, the accessibility features incorporated into these newly constructed flats ensure that tenants with special needs will have the opportunity to live independently, while enjoying better standard of living.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to note that this project has not only provided housing but also created employment opportunities for students from Polytech and local residents of Jittu Estate.
Furthermore, it has encouraged the growth of micro and small enterprises in the area, which will foster entrepreneurship and empower the community and the local economy.
Outlook and Challenges
Ladies and Gentlemen, housing markets worldwide are currently facing significant challenges. The surge in
housing prices, driven by factors such as urbanisation, population growth, and geopolitical tensions, has created widespread uncertainty.
Rising material costs, labor shortages, and the effects of climate change have added additional strain to the housing sector, making it more difficult for families to secure affordable homes.
Despite these global challenges, the Coalition Government remains steadfast in addressing housing shortages, particularly for low-income families, through projects like Lagilagi.
This aligns with our broader global and national objectives, as outlined in the 2025-2029 National Development Plan and Vision 2050, which focuses on providing adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services to all Fijians and upgrading of informal settlements.
Sustainable Housing and Government Support
Ladies and Gentlemen, this commitment is reflected in Government’s budgetary allocation for the 2024-2025 financial year. A total of $32 million is earmarked for various housing initiatives, including social housing and projects aimed at providing accessible housing and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In addition, Government has further allocated $2 million in this financial year for planning and preliminary works and the commencement of the next phase.
Today, we will witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the next phase of the Lagilagi PRB strata units construction marking a significant milestone. This will build momentum for the project and allow developers, designers and architects time to develop their plans for the next phase of the project prior to construction.
The Coalition Government is focused not only on completing the Lagilagi Housing Project, but also on expanding affordable housing options for low-to middle income families across Fiji.
The Government acknowledges our bilateral partners and NGO’s for collaborating with the Ministry of Housing in support of Fiji’s ambition to improve the socio-economic outcomes for low to middle income earners through improved access to affordable, and quality housing.
This will continue to evolve, ensuring that our communities are supported and that housing solutions are accessible to all Fijians.
Offer Letters to 13 PRB tenants
Ladies and Gentlemen, on 14th January 2025, the Public Rental Board took a significant step forward in our nation’s housing journey by issuing 13 offer letters to tenants of PRB flats.
The Minister for Housing handed over these letters to twelve tenants in Kalabu Jale Estate and one in Makoi Housing. This initiative followed a call for tenders, which was widely advertised in the Fiji Sun and across the PRB’s social media platforms, ensuring that all interested parties had equitable access to the opportunity.
One offer, in particular, stood out—a letter was issued to a single mother from Newtown. The letter represented more than just a document; it marked a new beginning for her and her daughter, granting them both secured tenancy and a pathway to homeownership.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this was not just a formality. It was a pivotal step in realizing my Coalition Government’s vision of empowering our citizens and cultivating a culture of homeownership.
Through these offer letters, the Public Rental Board is doing much more than handing over houses; it is providing opportunities – opportunities for families to secure their future, enhance their financial stability, and create a legacy of homeownership for their children.
Other offer letters were also provided to tenants from Nadera, Kalabu, Makoi, and other locations, further cementing our commitment to ensuring that all Fijians have access to safe and secure homes.
Conclusion
The transition of the Lagilagi Housing Project to the Public Rental Board represented a decisive step towards addressing housing shortage in Fiji.
Through our combined efforts and resources, we are fulfilling the vision of providing affordable, quality housing to families in need, while ensuring the long- term sustainability of this community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Lagilagi PRB Flats are not just homes; they represent a commitment to community,
shared responsibility, and inclusive growth.
Today, we will witness “a life changing event” where I will personally hand over PRB Lagilagi Flats Occupancy Offer Letters to 36 families from the Jittu Estate that will occupy the new strata units.
The families will now enjoy security of tenure and in turn improvement of their quality of life. The long- awaited journey of having a decent and affordable home is now a reality!
The onus is on the 36 families to move forward, transcending social, economic and cultural boundaries and elevate their lives and contribute to a more resilient and equitable society.
Moreover, the newly completed buildings will host 6 two-bedroom flats which have been retrofitted for tenants with special needs.
By working together, we will continue to build a brighter future for all Fijians especially the families who reside in the Lagilagi PRB Estate. Their children will enjoy a sense of belonging which will boost their confidence level and help develop their social skills.
To the 36 families that will be receiving keys to their new homes today, I congratulate all of you and I hope that this will open new opportunities to progress. I also reaffirm the Coalition Government’s commitment to provide every Fijian family access to safe and affordable housing.
Vinaka vakalevu, dhaanyavaad and thank you.