New life for Tavela families as housing upgrade project is commissioned

Seventy-four families in Fiji's Tavela Settlement, Nadi, are celebrating a new chapter following the official commissioning of the Tavela Settlement Upgrading Project. Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa inaugurated the long-awaited development on Saturday, marking the completion of significant infrastructure works designed to enhance residents' quality of life.

For generations, families in Tavela Settlement have faced limited access to basic services. The upgraded community now boasts Fiji Roads Authority-standard roads, footpaths, comprehensive drainage systems, streetlights, reliable water reticulation, and modern sanitation services. The project also includes the subdivision of residential lots, providing a more organized and secure living environment.

Spanning nearly four hectares, the settlement has been home to numerous families for decades. The Fijian Government invested over $4 million in the project since its commencement in 2022, focusing on creating a safer, more resilient, and accessible community. This initiative underscores the government's dedication to ensuring secure and sustainable housing for all Fijians.

The successful completion involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Yavusa o Natutale and Yavusa o Lewevulagi for land provision, and project partners such as TLTB, Ministry of Lands, NRW McCallan Fiji Ltd, and Mobile Crane Hired Services Ltd. The Ministry of Housing also extended gratitude to the Tavela residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the development process.