Fiji’s Housing Authority is now reviewing a number of new housing projects around the country with respective proposals and submissions expected to be finalised in the next few months.

At least at this stage, besides the low cost housing project to be implemented in Tacirua, Raiwai and Raiwaqa in the next few months, work on some housing projects have commenced.

Funding for housing developments at Tacirua, Raiwai and Raiwaqa is now awaiting funding approval through a soft loan from the EXIM Bank in China following the signing of contracts valued at F$70 million with China Railway First Company Ltd today.

Housing Authority chief executive Alipate Naiorosui said that a $6.7 million housing project is underway at Wainibuku, Nasinu outside Suva.

He said construction work had begun two weeks ago by Bulileka Hire Services Ltd.

The other project scheduled for Nepani would be undertaken in the next four to six months.

“We will have to take away field materials from Tacirua and dump it at Nepani since there is 40 acres to fill. We expect 400 families to be housed there,” Naiorosui told Fijilive.

“Tomorrow, the board and executive management are touring the West to review the projects we will undertake there soon. We will start from Tavua, Rakiraki right up to Natadola,” he said.

Naiorosui said this year, three projects were already in the pipeline scheduled to start – one had commenced while the other two expected to commence soon.

In terms of new projects, he said there would be one project in Tavualevu and one in Savusavu on Vanua Levu.

“The designs have been done so we intend to review that and take a decision to tender within the next two months,” Naiorosui said.

He said two projects in Nadi and one in Natadola are also on the list with its designs being worked on at this stage.

“We are also looking at Sigatoka,” he said.

“The demand is high and the only biggest constraint we have now is funding. Funding is the biggest constraint that we face, particularly under the present situation and the global meltdown that is affecting us, and also getting suitable contractors,” he added.

03/03/2009