PM opens 44 new units at Lagilagi housing in Raiwaqa

44 families from Jittu Estate in Raiwaqa now have their new homes after receiving their house keys from the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today.

While opening the 44 units at Lagilagi Housing and a Wellness Centre, Bainimarama said many of the previous homes of many residents were barely habitable and for years, they were plagued with all the insecurity and uncertainty that comes from living as squatters.

He added that this is just the start of a mammoth task to provide proper and decent housing to more than 10,000 poor or squatter families in Jittu, Wailea, Nanuku and other settlements within Suva.

Meanwhile Krishna Kumari could not hold back her excitement when she entered her 2 bedroom unit.

Speaking on behalf of Kumari, the National Director of People’s Community Network, Semiti Qalowasa said Kumari had started saving for her house in the late 1970s.

Qalowasa said Kumari who begs for a living was saving $1 every day that has enabled her to get a house.

Another resident Isabella Nataucema said she has been living in the settlement for over 25 years.

Nataucema said for the past 25 years, she did not have proper access to water, toilet and bathroom facilities but she is happy that all this is under one roof in her new two bedroom unit.

Nataucema who will be moving to her new home next week with her husband said they were giving $40 a week since 2007.

The Lagilagi Housing now has a total of 77 units with the construction of the second phase of 76 units already underway.

Meanwhile, National Director of PCN Semiti Qalowasa said the three and two bedroom units costs more than $20,000. 

Residents are required to pay at least $15,000.

Qalowasa said the remaining amount is subsidised by the Government and PCN collectively.