RURAL-urban migration, low wages, expired land lease and financial demands are some factors that contribute to the housing crisis in Fiji, says Father Kevin Barr.
In his report presented at the 2009 Fiji Economy Updates on housing affordability on Tuesday, Fr Barr said these factors led to the growth in squatter settlements in the country.
"About 15 per cent of Fiji's population live in overcrowded, sub-standard and unhygienic housing in more than 200 squatter settlements," Fr Barr said.
"There is inequality and the percentage of those in poverty has grown drastically. Quality of life for the ordinary people has not improved and we have seen the development of the very large Fiji of the poor and struggling and the small Fiji of the rich."
Fr Barr said subsidy for housing was not a large commitment by the government particularly when it acknowledged that housing was a human right.
"Those responsible for housing the nation's population must think in terms of availability and affordability," Fr Barr said.
"It is not just a matter of acquiring land, developing lots and building houses. The lots and houses must be affordable for the people.
"Any national housing scheme must take into account the income level of the people to determine what is affordable for those in the particular income levels."
Fr Barr said housing agencies need to be able to deliver houses at a level of affordability.
He said when majority of the population earned low income, housing must be provided so that they can afford it.
Professor Wadan Narsey said in his analysis of poverty in Fiji that low income earners in 2002 and 2003 spent about 60 per cent of their pay on food.
"The price of basic food is increasing, which leaves little with which to pay rent or pay off a housing loan," Fr Barr said.
He said about 25,000 poor people were receiving family assistance which came to a minimum of $60 a month or maximum of $120 a month.
