GOVERNMENT’S plan to declare Nadi a city in 2017 will spur and accelerate more investments and developments thus creating job opportunities and increase productivity and economic activities.
This was highlighted by the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) president Dr Ram Raju.
A meeting in Nadi on Tuesday was attended by town and country planning representatives from Suva and the rural local authority.
The town expansion plan was supported by NCCI to include all the areas earmarked into the new boundary so that Nadi could be declared a city sooner or later.
NCCI also suggested Nacovi and Sonaisali Rd, and perhaps Sonaisali Island Resort as many developments have taken place along this stretch and more to be developed in the near future.
“There were plans to include Momi as well but due to the distance this has now been dropped for now NCCI had taken a proactive approach in the past and invited all the stakeholders to partake in several forums, looking at the overall developments taking shape in Nadi and elsewhere,” Dr Raju said.
“Thousands of graduates will be looking for jobs and Nadi’s expansion program can surely provide opportunities for employment, growth and productivity
“Providing all the essential services and central control over developments will be beneficial to all and sundry.
“I’m sure Nadi Town or City Council will be ready to provide all the essential services in a timely and professional manner.”
Robin Ali, who has been Nadi special administrator from 2013 until now, has already stated that they are ready for the challenge.
“It will certainly draw overseas residents and locals to invest in Nadi. NTC must get their manpower and other resources in order and a CEO appointed as soon as possible as this position has remained vacant for several months.
“Investors will be confident once this is in place since the areas being expanded are far and wide.”
Having a central control over developments and planned professionally, he said, would propel investments and growth in the private sector.