Fiji PM urges careful planning for new town of Navua

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for meticulous planning to guide the development of Navua, now officially recognized as a town. He cautioned that unchecked expansion could overwhelm the town's essential infrastructure and services, including roads, drainage systems, and water supply.

Speaking at the declaration ceremony, Rabuka highlighted the opportunity this new status presents for strategic development from the outset. "We have an opportunity to plan this growth properly from the very beginning," he stated, underscoring the importance of foresight in managing the town's expansion.

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We have an opportunity to plan this growth properly from the very beginning.

The Prime Minister articulated a vision for Navua that prioritizes quality over mere size. "We must not simply build a bigger Navua, we must build a better Navua," Rabuka urged. This includes ensuring sufficient space for housing, businesses, industry, public amenities, and recreational areas, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.

Furthermore, Rabuka stressed the critical need for resilience in Navua's future planning, acknowledging the town's vulnerability to natural disasters such as flooding, cyclones, and heavy rainfall. Investments in robust drainage, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness were identified as crucial components for safeguarding the town and its inhabitants.

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We must not simply build a bigger Navua, we must build a better Navua.