Fiji is the most urbanised state in Melanesia where 55% of population is urban and by 2030, it is estimated that two in three Fijians will be living in the country’s urban centres.
While speaking at the Pacific Urban Forum in Nadi, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Premila Kumar says the government is committed to address urbanisation concerns through integrated planning, strengthening urban governance, balancing rural urban developments and scrapping rural local authorities.
Kumar says in Fiji, people know that without long‑term Urban Master Plans we will continue to have a piecemeal approach, an approach that does not match the National Development Goals and the dreams of the people.
She says Fiji is now working with the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise in creating the urban Master Plans for Fiji to guide the urban transformation.
Kumar says every nation needs to have its national and local government urban infrastructure well planned; it must be in the right place and built to the highest quality standard.
She says a planned approach increases livability in our urban areas ‑ facilities are located for ease of access by residents, jobs are nearer homes, there is well planned public transportation, shorter travel times, free flowing traffic and a greener environment.
Kumar says the total capital investment on municipal assets over the last ten years stands at $130.6 million. The government invested $68.6 million whilst donor agencies such as UN Women, contributed $31 million and the Municipal Councils also contributed $31 million.
The Government has recently signed a Financial Advisory Services Agreement with International Finance Corporation (IFC) to assist in the design and implementation of apartments with strata titles.
Kumar also says that in the last 5 years they have upgraded 5 informal settlements and over 400 households received their land titles, which is the first step in home ownership.
The government is currently engaged in developing further 10 settlements, upon completion of which, over 2,000 households will receive land titles. Kumar says they have learnt through their experience that it could cost in between $2 million to $10 million to upgrade an informal settlement.
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