The government is advancing its land administration process with the introduction of Phase Two of the e-plan lodgement system. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, has announced this innovative online platform that enables surveyors from private firms and government agencies to submit plans digitally, significantly enhancing efficiency, transparency, and access to cadastral data.
In explaining the upgrade, Vosarogo noted that Phase One established an internal system for Ministry surveyors, which successfully streamlined workflows and set the groundwork for broader implementation. The e-plan system addresses a persistent issue in the sector: previously, plan approvals could take as long as 90 days or even years. The Ministry’s goal is to reduce the assessment time by 45%, aiming for a turnaround of just 30 days.
This expedited processing is expected to bring substantial benefits to the public, investors, and other stakeholders, while simultaneously reinforcing Fiji’s digital infrastructure. Vosarogo emphasized that the integration of this system with other government databases will ensure that land data is accurate, secure, and consistently managed throughout the nation.
Furthermore, the initiative fosters collaboration between public and private surveyors by standardizing the use of common survey software across Fiji. This approach aligns with the Ministry’s overarching mission to effectively manage, develop, and administer state land.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s IT team, including Meizyanne Hicks, Rocky Gucake, Jennie Bentley, Shivnish Singh, and Onesmus Pasikali, for their in-house development of the platform, stating that their efforts are historic for Fiji.
Overall, the e-plan lodgement system marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to digitizing services, improving efficiency, and supporting national infrastructure and land development initiatives, ushering in a new era for land administration in Fiji.