Fiji is facing a critical shortage of qualified town planners, with fewer than 10 professionals serving the entire nation. This situation was highlighted by Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, during the World Town Planning Day and World Cities Day celebrations held at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized that the shortage of planners places a substantial burden on this small group of dedicated professionals, pointing out the necessity of involving all stakeholders in the planning process. “Planning must be everyone’s business, from Government to local councils and from developers to communities,” he stated.
In a move towards improving the efficiency of urban development, Nalumisa announced the upcoming launch of the Building Permit Online System, which will initially involve five municipal councils. This digital platform aims to streamline building applications, making them faster and more transparent while allowing town planners to focus on strategic and sustainable growth.
The minister also mentioned that the reviews of the Navua and Nadi Town Planning Schemes are currently underway to ensure they align with contemporary and future development needs. Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘With Planning We Can’, Nalumisa asserted that effective planning is vital for ensuring safe housing, preserving coastlines, and fostering inclusive and resilient communities.
As Fiji prepares to take active steps ahead of COP30, Nalumisa called for a collective commitment to sustainable urban planning, asserting that every effort to create sustainable cities and resilient communities takes the country closer to a livable planet for all. This vision is in line with ongoing government initiatives to address housing challenges that have been spotlighted in previous discussions regarding urban development and affordable housing.
The government’s recognition of the intertwined issues of urbanization and housing further aligns with consistent commitments to address the housing crisis and drive sustainable, collaborative solutions involving a wide range of stakeholders. Ultimately, these ongoing efforts reflect a hopeful trajectory for Fiji, indicating the potential for improved living conditions and sustainable growth as various sectors unite to impact urban planning positively.