Navua’s historic entry into Fiji’s municipal map came at a cost of around $100,000 with Government saying the bigger task now is turning the new status into real development for the town.
Speaking in an interview after the formalities, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa said the funding was already allocated in the current financial year for the transition and development of the new municipality.
He said the budget allocation was made to accommodate the facility and the more than 4000 people expected to attend the historic occasion.
He said the next move would be the installation of a new administration to oversee the town’s transition.
Mr Nalumisa said the Government was now finalising the names of special administrators who would manage the new Navua Town Council during the transition period.
He said the appointments were expected to be made in the coming months, subject to approval by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
“They’ll all be appointments, and we’re going to appoint people from Navua,” he said.
He said beyond administration, the transition was expected to bring major physical changes.
Mr Nalumisa said the Department of Town and Country Planning was working towards a revised town planning scheme as the existing central business district was too small.
This included the new bus stand, carrier stand and market area, while the existing recreational park could also be relocated.
He said the Government had already made a budget allocation for the work.
He said the funds spent on the declaration was justified by the significance of the occasion.
Mr Nalumisa said the declaration marked a new chapter for Navua, with improved infrastructure and development expected as the town moves through its transition to municipal governance.
“This is a historical day for Navua, and for the people of Navua.”
