The Town and Country Planning Department has approved a total of $2.26 billion worth of projects over the past three years, highlighting strong investor confidence and structured economic growth, Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa told Parliament last week.
He said in 2025 alone, approvals totalled $840million, marking the strongest year on record.
“That is investor confidence and economic momentum,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“They demonstrate the planning systems, while disciplined, are not obstructive — they are enabling structured growth.”
Addressing delays caused by manual processes, Mr Nalumisa announced plans to roll out an Online Building Permit Approval System this year.
“Despite strong approval performance at the Town and Country Planning Department, we also acknowledge that manual processes can create delays and frustration.
“That is why this year, the Coalition Government will roll out the Online Building Permit Approval System.”
He said the system would allow digital submission of plans, real-time tracking of applications, improved coordination between agencies, and reduced processing time-lines.
In addition, Mr Nalumisa said the ministry was developing a Unified Accounting System to modernise financial management across all municipal councils.
“The proposed system will provide an integrated platform, covering budgeting, revenue management, expenditure control, asset management and financial reporting.”
He said the reform would strengthen transparency, enhance internal controls, improve accuracy and timeliness of reporting, and support better oversight and informed decision-making.
“This digital transformation is not simply a technological change — it is an institutional accountability in action.”
