Tevita (left) and Siteri Mafili receive the official letter informing them their housing loan being written off from Housing Authority spokesperson, Dwain Qalovaki (right). Photo: HOUSING AUTHORITY
By RACHNA LAL
Ten more homeowners loans have been written off by Housing Authority under the social housing policy.
These families represent mostly retirees and those Fijians who are no longer employed because of a medical condition.
Housing Authority chief executive, Alipate Naiorosui, said: “This housing programme is targeted at homeowners who have paid over one and half times the principal loan amount and are facing genuine financial difficulty.”
Retired fireman free man
Retired fireman, Qoroniasi Mau, and his wife, Miriama Saro Mau, had paid over two times the principal loan amount.
The couple received an official notice from Housing Authority advising them that their home loan account had been completely written off.
Mr Mau said he was thankful for the assistance as currently his son whose a fire fighter based in Ba, was the sole bread winner.
“I sell grog to help meet our daily expenses. Now I can rest easy knowing that we own our home debt free,” he said.
Policy and beneficiaries so far
As part of the social housing policy once the home loan account has been written off, the homeowner will not be eligible for further loans within 10 years.
Added to this, upon transfer of shares or sale of the property the assistance amount will need to be paid back in full.
Since the social housing policy was launched in 2011, a total of 263 families nationwide have had their home loan accounts completely written off.
Housing Authority spokesman, Dwain Qalovaki said $2.5 million in Government Grant has been channelled toward this robust housing programme.
“This is making a real difference in the lives of our citizens by writing off their remaining debt allowing them to meet their family’s needs.”