Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica emphasized that the redevelopment of the refurbished Ratu Sukuna Park is part of a larger initiative known as the Viti Levu Plan. During the reopening ceremony of the park, Kamikamica explained that the Master Plan, pending approval from the Cabinet, will serve as a guiding framework for sustainable urban development in Fiji for the next 50 years, particularly focusing on the greater Suva area.
Kamikamica highlighted that the Viti Levu Master Plan addresses crucial issues related to rapid urbanization, traffic management, and environmental sustainability. It aims to ensure the preservation and enhancement of urban spaces, including Ratu Sukuna Park, which play a critical role as green lungs for the city.
For Suva, the Master Plan promises improvements in infrastructure, transportation networks, and the strategic expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. By incorporating parks and open areas like Ratu Sukuna Park into the urban development strategy, the government seeks to create cities that are economically dynamic, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to urban development, using Ratu Sukuna Park as a prime example. He noted that the Ministry of Local Government is pursuing several important initiatives aimed at fostering better-planned towns and cities.
Kamikamica also announced the recent approval of the National Housing Policy Review, which marks a significant advancement in tackling housing challenges in Fiji. This policy focuses on providing affordable, safe, and sustainable housing, incorporating climate-resilient practices, and aims to improve urban planning to ensure that every Fijian has access to adequate housing.