Fiji’s limited land resources are driving the government to take long-term measures, Minister for Lands Filimone Vosarogo told Parliament yesterday, as he unveiled strategies to manage state land more efficiently and explore potential land reclamation.
Vosarogo noted that of Fiji’s 18,274 square kilometres, only 4 per cent—or 730 square kilometres—constitute state land, underscoring the pressure on available land for urban, peri-urban, and economic development.
“Land is, of course, a very finite and invaluable resource,” he said.
To address this scarcity, the Ministry is finalising a State Land Use Master Plan, which will guide the systematic allocation of state land, promoting fairness while meeting the developmental needs of sectors that drive the economy.
“The plan seeks to provide fairness and equity in land distribution, while ensuring that the developmental needs of all sectors that energize our economy are adequately addressed,” Vosarogo said/
In addition, the Ministry is conducting preliminary planning for land reclamation projects to create new real estate in areas of high demand.
“Given the scarcity of land, the Ministry has commenced preliminary planning to create additional real estate through extensive reclamation routes,” he said.
“While this is not something we plan to implement immediately, comparative studies will be undertaken to examine successful models used in countries such as Dubai, UAE, and Qatar, and assess how they can be applied in Fiji.”
Vosarogo said any reclamation or development initiatives will strictly comply with legal and environmental requirements, including consultations with landowners and provisions for compensation where necessary.
“These measures underscore the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable land management and equitable access for our citizens,”
