QUARTERS REFORM TO RAKE IN REVENUE

More than $ 5.6 million dollars is expected to be generated from the reforms in management of government quarters compared to the existing revenue of $1.4 million said Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Mr Parmesh Chand.

Speaking on the Reform of Government Quarters and Housing Entitlements, Mr Chand said major developments in the reform are the rental of Government quarters at market rates to both civil servants and others and this will be confined to Suva at this stage.

“We will begin this process firstly through rental at market rates of the Government Quarters which are currently vacant or are undergoing renovations in Suva.”

With twelve quarters in Suva chosen to pilot the reform, Mr Chand said renovation work is almost completed and some are ready for occupation.

However ,Mr Chand clarified that there will be no change in the meantime in tenancy arrangements for properties rented in districts from private landlords to house eligible civil servants. He added there will be further consultations with relevant stakeholders before any changes are effected in private homes rented by government.

Currently there are 424 privately rented properties Fiji wide for housing civil servants in the Districts in addition to existing government quarters.

Mr Chand said Government has additionally decided that Borron House and VIP House at Berkeley Crescent be made available for hiring out on commercial basis at times when such properties are not required by Government.

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Date:20/01/10