THE relocation of three families and ongoing flooding issues are among the major challenges affecting the Nabouwalu township development project in Bua.
Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa said the project, which began in 2016, experienced several setbacks over the years.
“One of the pressing challenges is the relocation of three families that are staying on the site,” Mr Nalumisa said.
He said Government was working with landowners and the Bua Provincial Council to arrange the relocation of the affected families.
“Hopefully, by the end of this financial year we will be able to relocate these three families,” he said.
He said the proposed township site usually flooded during heavy rainfall due to drainage issues.
“Currently, when there is a heavy downpour around the Nabouwalu area, water overflows to the project site.”
He said an existing Water Authority of Fiji pipeline within the project area had already been relocated to allow civil works to continue.
The development will include commercial lots, industrial areas, civic infrastructure and future government offices.
Expected to cost about $8.72million, the project is anticipated to be completed in the 2028-2029 financial year.
He said the township would catalyse economic growth in Bua and the surrounding areas, particularly because Nabouwalu remained an important transit point between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
