$9.2M plan targets vulnerable settlements

Fiji is rolling out a $9.2 million climate adaptation program designed to bolster the resilience of families in vulnerable informal settlements nationwide. The Fiji Resilience Informal Settlements (FRIS) program, funded by the Adaptation Fund, is a collaborative effort involving UN-Habitat, the Ministry of Housing, local municipal councils, and participating communities.

Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa announced that the program specifically targets informal settlements in the urban centers of Lami, Sigatoka, Nadi, and Lautoka. These communities are particularly susceptible to climate-related hazards such as flooding, coastal inundation, erosion, and inadequate drainage systems.

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These communities face significant exposure to flooding, coastal inundation, erosion, inadequate drainage, poor sanitation as well as other climate-related hazards. Mr. Speaker Sir, the implementation of FRIS is guided by four main components.

The FRIS program will conduct climate-risk assessments and community capacity-building activities before commencing capital works. A significant portion of the budget, approximately $7.2 million, is allocated for capital works expected to benefit over 1,500 households across 16 identified informal settlements. The initiative also includes detailed climate vulnerability assessments and mapping supported by geographic information system analysis.

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Before commencing the capital works, the program will undertake a coordinated package of climate risk assessment, technical planning and community capacity activities for the 2026-2027 financial year. We’ve engaged to undertake climate vulnerability assessment and mapping supported by a geographic information system analysis for the 16 selected informal settlements.