Chairman clarifies quarters reform

Submitted by TemoL on Mon, 01/02/2010 - 7:48am

Mr Serulagilagi said with more than $5.6 million expected to be generated from the reform compared to the existing revenue of $1.4 million, the major development of the quarters reform is the rental of Government quarters at market rates to both civil servant and others.

“Rental of quarters are to be on commercial rate and based on the Ministry of Lands valuation. Once the reform has been tested in the Suva Pool Quarters it will then be implemented in the other districts.”

Earlier on the Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Parmesh Chand indicated that the process will begin firstly through rental at market rates which are currently vacant or are undergoing renovations in Suva.

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

The 12 government quarters are located at Richard’s road, Allardyce Road, Domain and Ratu Sukuna road.

However , Mr Serulagilagi 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.