Home ownership empowers people, creates certainty and gives dignity, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

There will be 81 high-end residential lots up for grabs and there is more to come, as this is just the first phase of Housing Authority’s Tacirua projects phase and there are more of such developments are in the pipeline.

Prime Minister Bainimarama said not only does home ownership provide security and equality it creates a robust economy.

“Years of neglect in the past due to no commitment to nation building and the absence of a long-term vision meant that ordinary Fijians suffered while only a handful thrived,” he said.

The Prime Minister made this comment as he launched the project and planted a tree on the site that could soon see new homeowners.

“This had to change and must continue to change. My Government is committed to improving the lives of all Fijians, in particular those on the margins.”

The project was made possible through the collaboration between the iTaukei Lands Trust Board and the landowners of the mataqali (clan) Nawavatu of Kalabu village, Naitasiri and the authority.

“We encourage such collaboration where iTaukei lands are made available for such projects, which will provide income for the landowners and at the same time contribute to improving the lives of others, generating jobs, and creating a robust economy through which all Fijians, including the landowners, will benefit,” the head of Government and Minister for iTaukei Affairs said.

He said the National Housing Policy was in place to see that there are more home owners and as part of this objective, other housing development projects under the authority’s banner are under construction or at design stage throughout the country.

Housing Authority board chairman, Mosese Tikoitoga, said the launch of the 81 high-end residential lots that enjoys panoramic views of the Suva-Nausori corridor and enjoy a cool ocean breeze was a first of its kind for the nation.

“And the lots range from 620 to 1991 square meters and will be sold by tender process that will be advertised for three weeks beginning tomorrow,” he said.

The Peoples Republic of China Ambassador to Fiji His Excellency Huang Yong said the project demonstrates the Fiji Government’s effort towards the improvement of the people’s wellbeing.

He said it also showed the Chinese Government’s commitment towards the enhancement of its friendly cooperative relations with Fiji.

The Export Import Bank of China granted the loan for this project and will also fund the three other phases that will be carried out over the next three to four years.