Salutation
- Vunivalu, vua na Turaga na Tui Namosi,
- Korolevu, vua na Turaga na Vunivalu,
- Nai Liuliu ni Wasewase Veiwekani Ceva – Turaga nai Vakatawa
- Minister for Housing and Local Government – Hon. Maciu Nalumisa
- Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament,
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp,
- Distinguished Guest and Donor Partners,
- Business Houses
- Government Officials,
- Ladies and gentlemen.
Ni Sa Bula Vina’a and a very good morning to you all.
Let me first begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, ki Korolevu na Turaga na Vunivalu and I pay my respects to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and I acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua, we remain grateful for their custodianship, which allows us to convene and to celebrate this important occasion.
Introduction
- It is my distinct pleasure to be here with you all as we formally declare Navua a Town and welcome it as the 14th municipality of the Republic of Fiji.
- Today marks an important milestone in the development of Navua. It is a celebration of its people, its contributions and the aspirations carried by generations of families who have called this place home.
- It also reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening local governance, improving services and ensuring that our communities are properly planned for the future.
- As we mark this occasion, we recognise the path that has brought Navua to this point, while also looking ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities that come with becoming a municipality.
- But this new status also brings new responsibilities. Town status is not an end in itself. It creates an obligation for the Council, businesses, communities and residents to work together to build a well-managed, clean, safe and prosperous Town.
- The transition must therefore be guided by good governance, financial responsibility, effective planning and accountability. These will be important to ensuring that Navua’s new status delivers lasting benefits.
Historical Context of Navua
- Ladies and Gentlemen, the story of Navua is, above all, a story of its people. For generations, the Navua River has been part of everyday life here, supporting families, livelihoods, farming and trade, while connecting communities across this part of Fiji.
- Navua has also played its part in Fiji’s economic story. During the colonial period, the sugar industry brought farmers, workers and families to the area and helped shape the communities, businesses and institutions that we see today.
- When the sugar industry declined, the people of Navua adapted. They continued to work the land, support their families, build businesses and find new opportunities in other sectors. That determination and resilience have carried Navua forward.
- For more than five (5) decades, the people of Navua have carried the aspiration for their community to be recognised as a Town. That aspiration dates back to the 1970s. Today, after many years of advocacy, consultation and preparation, we have the privilege of seeing that long-held hope become a reality.
- So, as we mark this historic occasion, we are not simply declaring Navua a Town. We are recognising the path that brought us here and the generations of people who have contributed to it.
Significance of Town Status for Navua
- Ladies and gentlemen, it is because of that history, resilience and community spirit that today’s declaration carries such significance.
- The declaration of Navua as a Town marks an important step in strengthening local governance and supporting the future development of this growing community. It provides the foundation for the Navua Town Council to progressively improve the way municipal services are planned and delivered.
- This means better planning for the services that matter in our daily lives, including waste management, drainage, sanitation, roads, footpaths, street lighting, traffic management and public spaces.
- It also provides an opportunity to put in place a clear Town Planning Scheme to guide Navua’s residential, commercial and industrial growth.
- Navua is growing, and that growth must be managed carefully. We must avoid unplanned development that places pressure on roads, drainage, water, sanitation and other essential services.
- Planning must also provide space for housing, businesses, industry, public facilities and recreation. This will allow Navua to grow in an orderly way while creating a town that is attractive for families, businesses and investors.
- But Town status is not simply about administration. It must be about people and about improving the quality of life for the residents and businesses of Navua. This will require responsible planning, transparent administration and continued engagement with the community.
- The Government also recognises that this transition may bring questions about municipal boundaries, services and future town rates arrangements. These matters will be addressed carefully and transparently, with the people of Navua kept informed.
- Ultimately, the success of Town status will be measured not by the declaration we make today, but by the improvements people see and experience in their everyday lives.
- The Council will have an important responsibility to ensure that municipal services are reliable, affordable and responsive to the needs of the community. This includes maintaining public assets and responding to the everyday concerns of residents and businesses.
- At the same time, residents and businesses have a role to play. A successful municipality depends on responsible citizenship, compliance with local requirements and a shared commitment to keeping Navua clean, safe and well maintained.
National Development Priorities
- Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government remains committed to turning the National Development Plan into practical outcomes through better services, stronger infrastructure, greater economic opportunities and greater confidence in the years ahead.
- Navua has an important role to play in this effort. As we work towards sustained economic growth of 6 percent, we must ensure that communities such as Navua are well placed to adapt to changing economic conditions and take advantage of new opportunities.
- The position of Navua along the economic corridor between Suva and the southern and western parts of Viti Levu, and its links to Serua, Namosi, Rewa and surrounding rural communities, provide a strong foundation for development.
- But development must ultimately improve the lives of our people. It must create jobs for our young people, stronger incomes for families, better opportunities for farmers and greater prospects for local businesses. Navua must not only benefit from Fiji’s growth; it must also be part of driving that growth.
- Navua has the potential to become more than a growing residential centre. Its location and connections to surrounding provinces and rural communities provide an opportunity to develop it as a regional hub for commerce, services, agriculture and investment.
- We should therefore create an environment where local businesses can grow, farmers can access markets, young people can find employment and investors can see opportunities. This will require reliable infrastructure, efficient services and a supportive business environment.
- Our objective should be clear: as Navua grows, more of the economic value created here should remain within the community and contribute to local livelihoods and national growth.
Sustainable and Inclusive Development
- The declaration of Navua as a Town also gives practical expression to Fiji’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11, which is about building communities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. As Navua grows, we have an opportunity to plan that growth properly from the beginning.
- We must ensure that development keeps pace with infrastructure, that public spaces are safe and accessible, and that our communities are better prepared for natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. We must not simply build a bigger Navua; we must build a better Navua.
- Resilience must be at the centre of Navua’s future. The Town must be better prepared for flooding, cyclones, heavy rainfall and other hazards that can disrupt lives, businesses and essential services.
- This means investing in effective drainage, resilient infrastructure, early warning, emergency preparedness and proper land-use planning. Prevention and preparedness will always be more effective than responding after a disaster has occurred.
- A better Navua is one where people have access to opportunities and essential services, where infrastructure is resilient, and where everyone, including women, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities and low-income families, can share in the benefits of development.
- And as we look ahead, we must continue to protect what makes Navua special. The Navua River and its surrounding environment must remain central to our planning, ensuring that the development of this Town goes hand in hand with responsible growth, environmental protection and a better quality of life for generations to come.
- The Navua River is not only part of our history; it is part of our future. It supports livelihoods, connects communities and contributes to the identity of Navua.
- As development increases, we must protect the river and surrounding environment from pollution, uncontrolled development and poor waste management. Economic development and environmental protection must move together.
The Way Forward
- As we mark this historic occasion, we do so with respect for Navua’s achievements and confidence in its future. Town status gives us a new opportunity to build on what has already been achieved and to plan carefully for the years ahead.
- Our focus must now be on delivering better services, supporting local businesses and farmers, creating opportunities for our young people, and building a safer and more resilient community.
- Most importantly, the people of Navua must remain at the heart of this progress. Their voices, ideas and participation will be essential as the Town grows and develops.
- The success of Navua will ultimately depend on the partnership between the Council and its people. Consultation must therefore continue beyond today. Communities and businesses should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions that affect their future.
- We should also expect transparency in how priorities are set and resources are used. The people of Navua deserve to see clear results from the opportunities that come with Town status.
- Let us therefore not ask only what Town status will bring to Navua, but what each of us can contribute to its future. Let today be the beginning of renewed civic pride, shared responsibility and a stronger commitment to building the Navua we want for generations to come.
Conclusion
- Ladies and gentlemen, today we remember the generations of people who have made Navua what it is. Their hard work, perseverance and belief in the future of this community have brought us to this historic day.
- But the real meaning of today will be seen in what comes next. Town status must bring progress that people can see and feel and give Navua the foundation to grow with confidence and purpose.
- I want Navua to be a Town that is proud of its history and confident in its future, a place where families can thrive and where the next generation can look ahead with hope.
- This is the Navua we must build together.
- It is now my honour and privilege to formally declare Navua a Town and Fiji’s fourteenth municipality.
- May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji.
- Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad and Thank You.
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