Fiji’s Phase Two e-Plan Aims to Fast-Track Land Approvals

The Fijian government is taking significant strides in modernizing land administration with the unveiling of Phase Two of the e-plan lodgement system. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, announced that this online platform allows both private surveyors and government agencies to submit plans digitally, marking a major step towards improved efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of cadastral data.

Phase One of the system focused on creating an internal process for Ministry surveyors, which successfully streamlined workflow and set the groundwork for a broader implementation. The e-plan system addresses a critical issue in the sector, where plan approvals could extend to 90 days or even longer. With the new system, the Ministry aims to reduce assessment time by 45 percent, with a target turnaround of 30 days.

Vosarogo emphasized that the faster processing of land plans will be beneficial not only for the public and investors but also for all stakeholders involved, while bolstering Fiji’s digital infrastructure. The integration of this system with other government databases is designed to ensure that land data remains accurate, secure, and consistent across the nation.

Furthermore, the initiative promotes collaboration among public and private surveyors by standardizing the use of common survey software throughout Fiji. This aligns with the Ministry’s overarching mandate to effectively manage, develop, and administer state land.

Vosarogo acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry’s IT team—Meizyanne Hicks, Rocky Gucake, Jennie Bentley, Shivnish Singh, and Onesmus Pasikali—for their crucial role in developing the platform in-house. He noted that their achievements are a significant milestone for Fiji.

The e-plan lodgement system stands as a vital element in the government’s broader strategy to digitize services, enhance operational efficiency, and support national infrastructure and land development projects. Such progressive changes reflect a hopeful future for efficient land management in Fiji.