Up to 50,000 families to benefit from Waila housing project

Up to 50,000 families are expected to benefit from a major mixed-use housing development planned for Waila in Nausori, as efforts ramp up to address Fiji’s growing urban housing demand.

The Housing Authority has revived plans to develop the masterplan and scheme for the initial 200 acres of the Waila land parcel.

They say the full 864-acre development will be transformed into a mixed-use area featuring residential, commercial, civic and industrial lots, along with modern strata housing units.

They also stress the layout will also support existing infrastructure such as schools, water treatment, sewerage systems, drainage, and open space reserves.

Housing Authority highlights once fully developed, the project is expected to deliver around 5,000 residential lots and 3,000 housing units.

The scale of the development positions Waila as a game-changer in addressing Fiji’s growing urban housing demand, particularly along the Suva–Nausori corridor.

The Housing Authority is working with Wood & Jepsen Consultants to finalise feasibility studies and technical reports, including assessments of topography, flooding and drainage, geotechnical conditions, road networks, and key infrastructure services such as water, sewerage, and electricity.

The consultants will also assess how the development will integrate with existing external access and utility networks.

The Authority had previously completed two subdivision phases — Waila 3A in 1994 and Waila 3B in 2006, adding the current scheme plan includes Residential B, expected to generate 266 lots, and Residential Lots C and D, expected to produce 904 lots.

Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Isikeli Navuda says the revival of development in Waila represents a milestone in the Authority’s long-term housing strategy.

Navuda says the development has the potential to become a model community, integrating housing with commercial services, schools, health facilities and recreational spaces, and is aimed at building sustainable communities for future generations.

The Waila Master Plan will be rolled out in stages to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with residential growth.

Plans also include provisions for schools, shopping centres, medical services, community halls and green spaces to create a holistic and livable environment.

Navuda adds the project aligns with the Government’s National Development Plan and National Housing Policy, which prioritise affordable housing for low- to middle-income families.

The Housing Authority says with Fiji’s urban population expected to rise significantly in the coming decade, the Waila development will play a critical role in easing housing shortages, reducing informal settlements and providing families with secure homeownership opportunities.

The Authority says it looks forward to working with stakeholders to turn the long-awaited vision into reality and contribute to national housing needs and economic growth.