Fiji is grappling with a significant shortage of qualified town planners, with fewer than 10 professionals available to serve the entire nation. This alarming statistic was brought to light by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, during the World Town Planning Day and World Cities Day celebrations at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.
Minister Nalumisa highlighted the overwhelming pressure this shortage places on the limited number of dedicated planners, emphasizing the crucial need for the participation of all stakeholders in the planning process. “Planning must be everyone’s business, from Government to local councils and from developers to communities,” he asserted, stressing that a collaborative approach is essential for effective urban development.
In an effort to enhance the efficiency of urban planning, Nalumisa announced the forthcoming launch of the Building Permit Online System, which will initially be implemented in five municipal councils. This innovative digital platform aims to streamline the building application process, making it quicker and more transparent, thereby allowing town planners to concentrate on strategic, sustainable growth initiatives.
The Minister also informed attendees that reviews of both the Navua and Nadi Town Planning Schemes are currently in progress to ensure they meet the evolving demands of contemporary and future development. Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘With Planning We Can’, Nalumisa underscored that effective planning is essential for ensuring safe housing, preserving coastlines, and fostering inclusive, resilient communities.
As Fiji gears up for impactful preparations ahead of COP30, Nalumisa urged a collective commitment to sustainable urban planning. He emphasized that every action taken towards creating sustainable cities and resilient communities is a step toward achieving a livable planet for all. This vision aligns with the government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at tackling housing challenges, which have been focal points in previous discussions about urbanization and affordable housing solutions.
The government’s acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of urbanization and housing issues reflects its ongoing commitment to addressing the housing crisis and fostering effective, sustainable solutions through collaboration among various stakeholders. These collective efforts not only signal a hopeful future for urban planning in Fiji but also pave the way for enhanced living conditions and sustainable growth as different sectors work together to positively influence the nation’s urban landscape.