Salutation
- The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa,
- The Permanent Secretary for Housing, Mr. Manasa Lesuma
- The Board, Senior Management and Staff of Housing Authority,
- Distinguished Guests and Community Leaders,
- Key stakeholders from the Housing Sector,
- Government Officials,
- Members of the Media, and
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good morning to you all.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Matanikutu vua na Gone Turaga na Qaranivalu and I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, We are grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene for this important occasion and celebrate this important national milestone.
Introduction
- Ladies and Gentlemen, it is indeed a privilege to join you today to hand over the keys to 31 Fijian families who will become proud homeowners here at the Housing Authority’s Nepani Sub-Division.
- Today is more than a key handover ceremony. It is a celebration of hope, opportunity and the fulfilment of aspirations. It reflects the Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Fijian has access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
- Housing is far more than the construction of buildings. A home provides security, dignity and stability. It is where families are nurtured, values are passed from one generation to the next, and where children develop the confidence and opportunity to realise their full potential.
- Most importantly, housing is an investment in our nation’s future. Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a stronger Fiji.
Housing as a Foundation for National Development
- Adequate housing is recognised under Sustainable Development Goal 11 and is supported by the principles contained within Fiji’s Constitution. It remains fundamental to achieving inclusive, sustainable and resilient national development.
- The Coalition Government, together with the Housing Authority and our development partners, remains committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing is accessible to all Fijians, particularly low and middle-income families.
- Housing is not simply a social programme—it is a strategic investment in national development.
- Secure housing improves educational outcomes by providing children with a stable environment in which to learn and succeed. It improves health and wellbeing, strengthens family resilience and enables parents to participate more productively in the workforce.
- Families who enjoy secure housing experience greater financial stability, reduced stress and improved opportunities to invest in education, small businesses and other productive activities.
- In this way, housing becomes an important driver of productivity, economic participation and inclusive growth, supporting Fiji’s ambition under Vision 2050 to become a resilient and high-income nation.
Building Safe, Resilient and Inclusive Communities
- The Fiji Bureau of Statistics recorded an average household size of 4.6 persons during the 2017 National Census count, reinforcing the growing need for well-planned residential developments that meet the needs of our expanding communities.
- The National Housing Policy 2025-2030 defines adequate housing through key principles including security of tenure, affordability, accessibility, habitability, location, access to essential services and cultural appropriateness.
- These principles ensure that housing developments create complete communities—not merely residential subdivisions.
- Communities require quality roads, reliable water and electricity, modern telecommunications, sewerage infrastructure, schools, health facilities, recreational spaces and access to employment opportunities.
- As urban populations continue to grow, planned housing developments such as Nepani will also assist in reducing pressure on informal settlements while supporting balanced and sustainable urban development.
- Well-planned communities strengthen social cohesion, improve public safety and contribute to national security by creating stable neighbourhoods where families can flourish in peace and confidence.
Climate Resilience and Future-Ready Communities
- As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Fiji must continue investing in housing developments that are resilient to cyclones, flooding and other natural hazards.
- The homes developed here at Nepani incorporate modern construction techniques and durable materials while being supported by essential infrastructure.
- This reflects our broader commitment to building communities that are safer, more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.
- Modern communities must also embrace digital connectivity, ensuring our people have access to online education, government services, digital commerce and employment opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
First Home Ownership Imitative (FHOI)
- To ensure that every Fijian is provided equal opportunities to access affordable housing, provisions within the First Home Ownership Initiative, administered through the Ministry of Housing, have been revised to better reflect and address the needs of the market.
- Previously household income assistance was provided in two separate categories – Category 1 for those earning from $50,000 and below and Category 2 for those earning between $50,001 to $100,000.
- With the recent adjustment, Category 1 now covers eligible recipients earning $30,000 and below, while Category 2 includes eligible recipients earning between $30,001 and $60,000.
- The calibration of the First Home Ownership initiative reflects Governments commitment to ensuring that the programme better targets income earners within the low-to middle income brackets.
- Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that 28 families receiving their keys today fall within Category 1 of this assistance, whilst the remaining the three families fall within Category 2.
- These targeted interventions reflect our commitment to ensuring that no Fijian family is left behind.
- Home ownership is one of the most significant investments a family will make during its lifetime. It creates financial security, builds household wealth and provides an enduring asset that can benefit future generations.
Expanding Housing Opportunities
- The completion of 101 model homes at Nepani represents another important milestone in expanding Fiji’s affordable housing programme.
- Beyond Nepani, additional developments are progressing in Davuilevu, Tavakubu, Tacirua, Veikoba and Waila.
- Over the next twelve months, the Housing Authority intends to construct approximately 700 additional homes while developing around 5,800 residential lots by 2031.
- These investments will not only increase access to affordable housing but will also generate employment, stimulate demand for local contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and small businesses, and strengthen economic activity throughout the country.
- Housing development therefore creates benefits well beyond the families who receive homes—it supports jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth across Fiji.
Partnerships for National Progress
- The success of our national housing programme depends upon strong partnerships.
- I acknowledge the Housing Authority, landowners, local communities, financial institutions, contractors, private developers and development partners whose collaboration continues to make these projects possible.
- Together, we are not simply constructing houses—we are building resilient communities, creating opportunities and strengthening the social and economic foundations of our nation.
Conclusion
- To the 31 families receiving your keys today, I offer my heartfelt congratulations.
- Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Your home is more than a place to live. It is a place where your children will grow, where dreams will be nurtured, where memories will be created and where future generations will inherit opportunities made possible through your hard work and commitment.
- I encourage each of you to care for your homes, build strong relationships with your neighbours and contribute positively to your community.
- As homeowners, you become partners in building safer neighbourhoods, stronger communities and a more prosperous Fiji.
- Ladies and gentlemen, housing remains one of the most important investments we can make in our people. By providing secure homes today, we are investing in a healthier, more productive workforce, stronger families, resilient communities and a brighter future for generations to come.
- Together, let us continue building a Fiji where every family has the opportunity to own a home, participate fully in our economy and contribute to the achievement of our Vision 2050—a prosperous, inclusive, secure and resilient nation.
- Vinaka Vakalevu and May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our beloved Fiji.
