“Free housing is only for those people whose homes have been destroyed by natural disasters.”
This has been clarified by the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Parveen Bala.
Bala says while the provision of affordable housing to all Fijians is a key priority for the government, it is important to know that free-housing program extends only to those eligible.
Bala says there are other housing options available for those requesting for housing assistance.
Bala says those with income of less than $50,000 annually are eligible for a grant of $10 000 for the construction of a new house while a grant of $5,000 is also available for the purchase of an existing first home.
He adds a VAT refund scheme is also available to encourage the construction of new houses by first‑home owners. Proper documentation and verification is necessary to take advantage of this program.
In relation, to the Squatter Settlement Project Bala says the Public Rental Board has been allocated $3.4 million from the National Budget for the completion of 50 flats in Naqere Savusavu.
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