Informal Settlements Upgrading and Network Building in Fiji: Lautoka City-wide Forum

Saturday 25th of September the forum took place at the Sugar Cane Growers Hall in Lautoka. Approximately 150 people attended from 30 of the 33 informal settlements identified in Lautoka. The forum was also attended by three Fijian architects/builders from Suva, local landlords, the Chairman and Councillors of the Advisory Council of the Western Commission, police representatives and staff from the District Office.

The participants shared and compared situations and experiences and began to build a network together. Many of the communities requested that the PCN visit their community and assist them with starting up savings groups and putting together action plans.

The forum has made a good base for the PCN to continue to build the network in Lautoka. It will also be the basis for future discussions about ACCA projects and upgrading.