The Public Rental Board this morning entered into an agreement with China Railway Company that will see the construction of 500 flats in Raiwai and Raiwaqa.
Board Chairman, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga while signing the commercial contract with the Chinese construction company, said that this is the first step in addressing the squatter problem in the country.
The Commercial loan will see $11 million worth of work being done in Raiwai and $9 million worth of projects carried out in Raiwaqa.
The $50 million loan is part of the $70 million loan from the Exim Bank of China for affordable housing projects for the Housing Authority of Fiji and PRB.
Colonel Tikoitoga said as they are yet to finalise the conceptual designs for the 500 houses, the one to two bedroom houses will be used as an accommodation option for new home owners and those living in squatter settlements.
Meanwhile, China Railway Deputy General Manager Sung Tian-Peng said that once the conceptual designs are completed construction is expected to start early next year.
Tian-Peng added that under the agreement with PRB, there will be a 50-50 manpower share where close to 60 locals are expected to be employed during the 12 month project.
Construction is expected to start early next year.
