“Fiji’s Lost Archives: The Race to Preserve Historical Planning Records”

Thousands of historical planning records from rural Fiji have been lost due to inadequate storage practices, outdated policies, and prolonged neglect, as disclosed in Parliament by Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa. He pointed out that many rural planning files, once maintained by local authorities, were routinely disposed of after five years due to limitations in archive space, leaving significant data gaps in these areas.

Mr. Nalumisa highlighted that while 13 municipal councils handle various planning records, only the city councils of Suva and Lautoka maintain independent subdivision records backed by gazetted bylaws. The lack of comprehensive records has been a lingering issue since the inception of country planning in the 1970s, a system aimed at managing urban development, zoning, and land use.

Currently, the Department of Town and Country Planning aims to recover remaining records, with over 74,000 documents stored across Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa, many of which date back to the early 1960s and are in fragile condition.

To mitigate future losses, the government has initiated digitization efforts, successfully scanning over 1,000 files in Labasa using newly acquired large-format scanners. However, Mr. Nalumisa acknowledged the irreversible impact of past record losses, stating, “Once records are lost, we can’t recreate them.” He assured continued efforts to preserve existing records and prevent any further loss.

In light of these challenges, the government’s digitization efforts align with broader initiatives emphasized in similar discussions around historical record preservation, such as the significant progress reported by the National Archives of Fiji. These efforts highlight a commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s documentary heritage, enhancing access to vital historical documents, and promoting greater transparency and accountability within the government’s record-keeping systems.

The proactive measures being implemented offer a hopeful perspective on preserving Fiji’s rich historical landscape, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots and cultural identities. By addressing these issues, there is potential for strengthening community ties and enhancing the nation’s cultural heritage.