$10K housing grant available for people earning less than $50K

Fijians with annual income less than $50,000 are eligible for a grant of $10,000 for the construction of a new house.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment Parveen Bala says a grant of $5,000 is also available, for those eligible, to purchase an existing first home.

Bala says a VAT refund scheme is available to encourage the construction of new houses by first‑home owners.

He adds proper documentation and verification is necessary to take advantage of this program.

The Minister says from the National Budget the Public Rental Board has been allocated $3.4 million for the completion of 50 flats in Naqere, Savusavu and a further $700 thousand for the completion of the 36 flats in Uci place Kalabu.

Bala says $500,000 has also been allocated to the Housing Assistance Relief Trust for the renovation and construction of new HART homes.

Bala says people can apply for the Housing financial assistance through the Government’s Rural Housing Assistance Program.

He says the housing assistance is intended to encourage new homeowners to construct new homes with incentives provided by Government.