The People’s Community Network believes 15% of Fiji’s population still live in squatter and informal settlements around the country.
PCN Consultant Father Kevin Barr said there are about 220 squatter settlements in Fiji.
He said about 20% of the people in the greater Suva areas live in squatter settlements.
Father Barr said there are a number of squatter upgrading programs for people to get secured land.
Meanwhile, to address the growth of informal or squatter settlements and improve the overall quality of housing, government provided $1 million for the squatter upgrading and resettlement project this year.
This year it has been directed towards completing ongoing projects in Caubati, Sasawira, Ledrusasa in Votualevu Nadi, Cuvu and Narere.
Through funding assistance from the Exim Bank of China, the construction of new housing estates in Raiwai and Raiwaqa are also underway.
The Housing Authority project in Tacirua East Stage 2 and Nepani are still continuing as well as the billion dollar Waila City Project.
Housing Authority Board Chairman, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said they need to provide the contractors Top Symphony Limited their Performance Specifications for construction on both infrastructure and housing in Waila City.
Meanwhile, since the policy of writing-off loans by the Housing Authority was launched in 2011, 292 families nationwide have been assisted under the criteria which assists homeowners who have paid over 1 and a half times the principal loan amount and are unemployed due to retirement or on medical grounds.
Positive reviews have been given for a number of sectors up to October this year by the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
The RBF said sugar production rose by an annual 26.4% upto October while mahogany production by the Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited rose annually by 52.4% cumulative to September this year.
Wood intake data from Tropik Wood Industries to produce pulp, sawlogs and posts also showed a year-on-year increase of 33%.
In line with higher timber production, the Reserve Bank said timber exports also rose annually by 11.3% in the first seven months of the year.
The RBF also said upbeat consumer confidence coupled with improved business environment and stability is resulting in higher investment activity.
Indicators such as domestic cement sales and new lending by banks for investment purposes also noted annual increases.
The bank said more jobs are also available as the number of advertised positions rose annually by 7.9%.
The main sectors noting increases are wholesale, retail trade, restaurants, hotels and construction.
Tourism receipts and remittances have also increased.
Receipts from tourism increased by 4.5% upto the second quarter of this year while remittances rose by 1.9%.
Meanwhile the Reserve Bank said despite an increase in process in the last few months and inflation reaching 3.1% in September, the year-end inflation remains unchanged at 3%.
Foreign reserves stand at $1.77 billion.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
