Fiji has fewer than 10 qualified town planners serving the entire country.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa revealed this while officiating at the World Town Planning Day and World Cities Day celebrations at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva yesterday.
Mr Nalumisa said this shortage placed a heavy responsibility on a small group of dedicated professionals and showed why planning must involve everyone.
“Planning must be everyone’s business, from Government to local councils and from developers to communities,” Mr Nalumisa said.
He also announced the finalisation of the launch of the Building Permit Online System, which will start with five municipal councils.
The new system will make building applications faster, more transparent, and fully digital.
“It will save time for investors, builders, and citizens, and most importantly it will free up our planners to focus on strategy, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
The minister confirmed that reviews of the Navua and Nadi Town Planning Schemes were underway to ensure they meet modern and future development needs. Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘With Planning We Can’, he said effective planning ensured safe housing, protected coastlines and created communities that were inclusive and resilient.
“As Fiji prepares for COP30, let us reaffirm that every sustainable city we plan, every resilient community we build, and every green innovation we support brings us one step closer to a livable planet for all.”
