Officials of Models Town Charitable Trust met with the Minister for Economy and Climate Change Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in relation to plans to build another 145 houses at Naikabula in Lautoka under the Koroipita Project.

Koroipita is a series of “model” communities in Fiji to address the problems of squatter settlements in peri‑urban areas, manage urban drift and accommodate climate change refugees.

The trust has built 979 homes and houses 4,400 people.

Founder and Technical Adviser Peter Drysdale says the focus now is to build another 145 houses.

He says there is also a need for the community development program to continue which is advancing families and creating conditions where young people move on to good jobs and tertiary education.

"This is an opportunity to see how we can further collaborate with Koroipita in various other ways & get more housing into this particular project. I have been requested about electricity connectivity & I assure you all that you will be connected to electricity before Christmas." pic.twitter.com/eaWDI94lNE

— Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (@FijiAG) October 3, 2018

The trust’s projects have been mainly funded by New Zealand Aid and a Rotary Club for the last 10 years.

Drysdale says they would like to see Fiji Government come on board and fund this major extension.

Sayed-Khaiyum has commended and thanked the Models Town Charitable Trust for the Koroipita project which has provided housing to the needy.

He says there are a number of proposals that have been put to them as to how they can further collaborate to improve the place by getting more houses and various other ways.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds that he has been assured by relevant agencies that people residing at Naikabula under this housing arrangement will have electricity before Christmas.

Families pay $8 per week to stay at houses provided by Models Town Charitable Trust.