Navua town expansion to see market, park relocation

The Fijian government is set to relocate key public facilities, including the market and Thompson Park, in Navua as part of a strategic plan to expand the town's central business district. These measures are a crucial step in preparing Navua for its transition to municipal status, with ongoing efforts to amend the town's scheme plan.

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa announced the redevelopment strategy during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate. He highlighted that the team is actively amending the scheme plan, which will involve relocating major facilities. Discussions are also underway with the Ministry of Lands to identify additional land for these public amenities and business district expansion, particularly towards the Navua Back Road.

The plans were revealed in response to questions from Opposition MP Premila Kumar regarding a $300,000 budget allocation for Navua. This funding is earmarked for establishing the new Navua Town Council through the appointment of special administrators and covering initial operational costs. Kumar raised concerns about residents potentially facing municipal rates before essential infrastructure like the market, bus stand, and taxi stands are fully operational.

Minister Nalumisa assured that several services are already being upgraded. He noted that the government continues to subsidize waste collection, currently managed by the Lami Town Council, while the Fiji Roads Authority is undertaking local road sealing. Further consultations with residents and businesses are planned to discuss property valuations and the proposed rating system before any municipal rates are implemented.

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At the moment, the team is now amending the scheme plan for Navua Town, where there will be some relocation of some of these major facilities, like the market. There are plans to relocate the current Thompson Park, and we are also having discussions with the team, together with the Ministry of Lands, who are also going to assist us in the identification of some more land towards the Navua Back Road.