In its commitment to provide affordable housing Government will strengthen partnerships with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). This will be possible after the increase in the allocation for the Ministry of Housing to $20.3million. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is allocated $52.6m in the 2025-2026 National Budget. This is up from $32.3m last year. The significant rise reflects Government’s commitment to tackling housing challenges faced by low- and middle-income families across Fiji. In Parliament on Friday, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad highlighted key programmes aimed at increasing access to affordable housing and formalising informal settlements. The Public Rental Board (PRB) is also working on new low-cost housing projects by continuing rental subsidies to help low-income families. Government is also investing $4m in partnership with organisations such as Habitat for Humanity, Koroipita, and HART to promote more affordable housing options. Mr Prasad said tax incentives for land developers have been extended, while low-interest home loans, now below 4 per cent remains a key driver for home buyers. A significant $15m is allocated to formalise six informal settlements and begin work in four new areas, benefiting about 1500 families with proper leases and services. Additionally, $2.2m is allocated to support the relocation of families evicted in areas like Nabua and Vatuwaqa. The Value Added Tax (VAT) refund schemes will continue for first-time home builders, covering VAT on materials up to $120,000. Government is providing $2.9m for this, in addition to $5m that has already been spent. “This budget marks a strong step forward in addressing Fiji’s housing crisis and ensuring that more families have access to safe, secure and more affordable homes,” Mr Prasad said. Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj