OPENING OF THE REFURBISHED HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMISSIONER WESTERN DIVISION

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Salutations

  • Na vanua o Sukanacagi ki vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo;
  • Vaka Turaga I Vunisei vei ira na Momo na Tui Vuda;
  • Vaka Turaga I Erenavula ki vua na Momo na Tui Sabeto;
  • Vaka Turaga vua na Momo na Taukei Vidilo;
  • Na ilesilesi ni Bose ko Viti, Turaga na iTalatala ni wasewase o Namoli;
  • The Honourable Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and Fellow Minister;
  • Honorable Members of Parliament;
  • Senior Government officials;
  • Distinguished guests;
  • Ladies and gentlemen.

 

Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a good afternoon to you all.

 

  1. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, na Momo na taukei Vidilo ena Vanua o Sukanacagi vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo, and pay my respect to their Chiefs, past, present and emerging leaders and acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.

 

Introduction

 

  1. It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the official opening of the refurbished Headquarters of the Commissioner Western Division.

 

  1. Today marks an important milestone for Government and for the people of the Western Division. This occasion represents more than the completion of a building project. It reflects our commitment to strengthening the institutions, systems and people that deliver Government services to our communities.

 

 

  1. Government infrastructure is not simply about buildings. It is about creating platforms that enable our public servants to work effectively, engage with communities, coordinate development initiatives and ensure that every Fijian, regardless of where they live, has access to responsive and quality services.

 

Significance of this Investment

 

  1. Through an investment of more than $3 million, Government has demonstrated its commitment to providing safe, modern and functional workplaces that support professionalism, efficiency and excellence in public service delivery.

 

  1. This investment is particularly significant as this facility has served the people of the Western Division for more than four decades, following the completion of its third wing in 1984. For over 40 years, this headquarters has remained the coordinating centre for Government services across one of Fiji’s most economically important and geographically diverse regions.

 

 

 

  1. The Western Division represents a significant part of Fiji’s social and economic landscape. It encompasses major urban centres, rural communities, coastal settlements, maritime islands, agricultural areas and tourism hub. The responsibility of ensuring effective service delivery across such a vast and diverse region requires strong institutions, committed public servants and facilities that are fit for purpose.

 

  1. Over time, this facility experienced significant deterioration, including ageing infrastructure, damaged ceilings and other structural challenges. Despite these constraints, our public servants continued to serve with dedication, professionalism and commitment to the people of Fiji.

 

  1. Today, we recognise that our civil servants are the bridge between Government policies and the everyday experiences of our people. They translate national priorities into practical services, coordinate development efforts, respond during times of crisis and ensure that Government reaches communities wherever they are.

 

  1. Therefore, investing in our public servants and their working environment is an investment in better outcomes for all Fijians.

Enhancing Service Delivery

  1. The refurbished headquarters will bring together the Office of the Commissioner Western, the Office of the District Officer Lautoka/Yasawa, the Justices of the Peace, and partner agencies under one roof.

 

  1. This integrated approach will strengthen collaboration, improve accessibility and enhance the responsiveness of Government services.

 

  1. Importantly, this facility must serve as more than an administrative centre. It must become a centre of inclusiveness, respect, partnership and engagement — a place where Government, communities, traditional leaders, businesses, civil society organisations and development partners work together towards common national goals.

 

  1. The role of the Commissioner Western is critical in ensuring that the voices, aspirations and needs of our communities are understood and reflected in Government planning and service delivery.

 

  1. Whether our people live in coastal villages, inland communities, farming settlements or our maritime islands, Government must continue to empower them to actively participate in national development.

 

  1. Communities are not only recipients of Government services; they are partners in development. Their knowledge, resilience, entrepreneurship and contribution are essential to building a stronger and more prosperous Fiji.

 

Supporting Economic Growth and National Development

  1. This investment also reflects Government’s broader commitment to strengthening institutions that support economic transformation and inclusive growth.

 

  1. Fiji’s journey towards achieving sustained economic growth requires every sector, every community and every region to contribute. Our ambition is to lift Fiji’s long-term economic growth trajectory towards 6 percent annually by 2050 and position Fiji as a high-income country.

 

  1. Achieving this ambition requires more than economic investment alone. It requires effective institutions, efficient public services, empowered communities, productive industries and strong partnerships between Government, the private sector and our people.
  2. The Western Division has a significant role to play in this journey. Through tourism, agriculture, fisheries, maritime activities, manufacturing, trade and emerging industries, the Division contributes substantially to Fiji’s economic development.

 

  1. Strengthening the capacity of Government institutions in the Western Division will therefore support not only better service delivery but also stronger partnerships that enable communities and businesses to contribute more effectively to national productivity and GDP growth.

 

Alignment with National Development Priorities

  1. This project forms part of Government’s wider commitment to modernising public infrastructure and strengthening service delivery throughout Fiji.

 

  1. Through the 2026–2027 National Budget, Government continues to invest in facilities and systems that improve access to services, particularly for rural, maritime and remote communities.
  2. Government is also considering further investments in new Government offices, staff accommodation and upgraded facilities in strategic locations across the country.

 

  1. These investments are aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan and Vision 2050, which emphasise strong institutions, inclusive development, resilient communities and a public service that is responsive to the needs of our people.

 

  1. By strengthening Government infrastructure, we strengthen the foundation upon which sustainable economic development and social progress are built.

 

Acknowledgements      

  1. As we celebrate this milestone, I wish to acknowledge all those who have contributed towards making this project a reality.

 

  1. My appreciation goes to the Ministry, Government agencies, project teams, contractors, consultants and all stakeholders whose collective efforts have delivered this important facility.

 

 

  1. I particularly acknowledge the public servants of the Western Division. Your dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our people remain the foundation of effective Government.

 

  1. The true measure of this investment will not only be the quality of this building, but the quality of services delivered from it.

 

  1. May this facility inspire a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation and partnership, and may it continue to serve the people of the Western Division for generations to come.

 

Closing Remarks

  1. As we officially open this refurbished headquarters, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to building a Fiji where every community has the opportunity to participate, contribute and prosper.

 

  1. Let this facility stand as a symbol of Government’s commitment to inclusive development, stronger partnerships and a future where every Fijian can contribute towards our national ambition of a peaceful, prosperous and high-income Fiji.
  2. It now gives me great pleasure to officially declare the Refurbished Headquarters of the Commissioner Western Division, Lautoka, open.

 

  1. Vinaka Vakalevu, Thank You and may God bless us all.

[END]

 

 

 

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