HA to meet defaulting owners

Fiji Live News - May 24, 2010 

The Housing Authority of Fiji has embarked on an initiative to provide defaulting property owners with a final chance to retain their homes.

The authority last month met with 27 defaulting property owners in the central and western divisions to restructure their repayments and identify solutions on arrears.

They plan to meet with more than 150 other customers.

Housing Authority spokeswoman Shirley Tagi said their primary objective is to help the homeowner work out an arrangement to avoid foreclosure and allow the homeowner to stay in his or her home.

“We are willing to listen and find mutually acceptable solutions within reasonable boundaries as long as our customers’ financial situation is well-substantiated,” she said.

Tagi said they will be contacting their default customers on a case to case basis over the next few weeks to identify effective solutions based on genuine need.

“This ensures beneficial outcomes for both parties and prevents anyone from becoming a chronic defaulter, or worse becoming homeless,” she added.

This will be done before homes are placed on mortgagee sale or put up for auction.

Tagi said the authority could not afford to sustain its services if non-performing loans kept escalating.

“We are now calling on default customers to meet with us and discuss the options before it is too late.”

Meetings are scheduled for customers in Suva for May 25, 27 and 29 and in Lautoka from June 3 to 5.