About 200,000 people in Fiji are living in informal settlements. Photo: Semi Turaga / Fiji Village
An opposition MP wants the Fijian government to fast-track the renewal of expired land development leases to address the issue of informal or "squatter" settlements in the country.
On Friday, Praveen Bala told parliament there are an estimated 200,000 people - about 20 percent of the population - are living in communities that "are often overcrowded, lack access to clean water, reliable sanitation and basic utilities, and are exposed to high risk of flooding and environmental issues."
"This insecure living environment contributes significantly to poverty levels, which remain at 29.9 percent nationally," the former FijiFirst government minister said.
He said, in recent years, these settlements have also linked to increased rates of crime, drug abuse, and social violence.
"Incidents of domestic violence and abuse against women and children have escalated within these communities, fuelled by stress insecurity, and lack of basic requirements."
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Bala said it is not only a housing issue but a developmental issue, and he wants the government to "rethink" its housing plans and "implement innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solution".
He said many development leases had not been renewed and that left tenants in legal limbo.
"Government's failure to renew expired development leases is a serious issue," he said.
He told parliament that government should work closely with the civil society, land owners, and the private sector to generate housing solutions that not only provide shelter but also create sustainable communities.
"The immediate policy action: fast-track the renewal of expired development lease to provide tenants with security, implement transparent process to allocate 99-year leases, and conduct [an] audit to determine the status of the infrastructure project in settlements to ensure timely completion."
The government allocated FJ$3.5 million toward the formalisation of five informal settlements in its 2024-2025 Budget.
Bala said the housing issue is "bigger than politics" and needs "a united effort."
In response, Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa admitted that the informal settlements issue is "a difficult chellenge."
He said it requires a collaborative effort, involving the government, land owners, and non-government organisations.
The minsiter said the current government has a 12-year plan to formalise these settlements, something that the previous administration did not have.
"The current government is working very, very hard to ensure that we complete whatever targets that we have decided and also agreed to complete while in formalisation of these settlements."
