Navua will officially be declared Fiji’s 14th town today, marking the culmination of a process that began more than five decades ago.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will officiate at the Navua Town Declaration at Thompson Park at 10am.
The declaration follows public consultations and support from residents, traditional leaders and the provinces of Serua and Namosi.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa had earlier revealed that efforts to have Navua declared a town dated back to 1973.
He said rapid economic growth and increasing development in the area had strengthened the case for formal town status.
“They have been longing for this for a very long time,” Mr Nalumisa said following public consultations in Navua.
He said consultations had received strong support from residents for the declaration.
According to Mr Nalumisa, becoming a town is expected to bring long-term benefits to Navua, including increased Government investment, improved infrastructure and greater opportunities to attract private sector investment.
The declaration will also provide a formal framework for the future planning and management of the rapidly developing Navua area.
Mr Nalumisa had said planning work and further consultations on the town planning scheme would continue beyond the formal declaration.
The chiefs of Serua and Namosi provinces have also given their support for the move.
Navua has experienced significant commercial and residential development over the years and serves as an important centre along the Suva-Nadi corridor.
Today’s declaration will formally give Navua town status more than 50 years after the process was first initiated.
