NEARLY half of Fiji’s housing stock is in average to poor condition, with thousands of families left vulnerable to climate-related disasters, Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, has warned.
Speaking at the Pacific Housing Forum in Suva, Nalumisa said the Pacific was facing a deepening housing crisis driven by rapid urbanisation, affordability pressures and increasing climate risks.
He told around 100 participants that about 24 per cent of Fiji’s urban population currently lives in informal settlements, while rising demand for housing continues to outpace supply nationwide.
“The status quo is no longer sustainable,” he said, stressing that housing is a basic human right and a critical pillar of social stability, financial security and climate resilience.
Nalumisa said the challenges were not unique to Fiji, noting that similar struggles across Pacific Island countries continue to affect communities, with housing shortages, insecure land tenure, and inadequate infrastructure.
He said housing must go beyond providing shelter and must ensure “decent housing” that protects dignity and supports long-term development.
The minister acknowledged the long-standing partnership of Habitat for Humanity International and the Government of New Zealand in supporting the 35-year-old Pacific Housing Forum, which brings together governments, development partners and practitioners to address regional housing challenges.
Nalumisa outlined Fiji’s housing reform agenda, including the National Housing Policy 2025–2030, which shifts toward a coordinated system involving public-private partnerships, financial institutions and international support.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to formalise informal settlements, with 48 development leases already secured to provide residents with secure land tenure, enabling home upgrades and financing opportunities.
Other measures include the First Home Ownership Grant, rent-to-own schemes through the Public Rental Board, and expanded support for low- and middle-income households struggling to access housing finance.
The minister said Fiji was targeting stronger climate-resilient housing standards, with at least 20 per cent of new developments expected to be green-certified by 2030.
Nalumisa said strengthening housing supply, improving affordability, and building resilience must remain urgent regional priorities, warning that without action, vulnerable communities will continue to bear the brunt of both economic and climate pressures.
