The Nabouwalu township upgrade in Bua has already seen $3.25 million expended, with the total project now estimated at approximately $8.72 million, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa has told reporters. Nalumisa said the funds spent so far covered land acquisition, survey work, engineering design and initial civil works as government moves to formalise and expand the coastal settlement that serves as a gateway for travellers using the Nabouwalu route.
The development plan covers about 5.4 hectares and will subdivide the site into a mix of commercial, civic and industrial parcels. Nalumisa outlined that the township will include 23 commercial lots, four civic lots, six industrial lots and a parcel reserved for government offices. The configuration is intended to provide space for local businesses, public services and light industry to operate within a planned township footprint.
Nalumisa framed the project as part of a broader decentralisation effort to relieve pressure on existing urban centres. “The proposed township development…supports decentralisation, reduces pressure on existing urban centres, and creates opportunities for well-planned, resilient communities,” he said, adding that the initiative is designed to promote balanced development and create local opportunities rather than concentrate growth in larger towns and cities.
Officials say the upgrade targets service gaps in Bua and the surrounding area, aiming to stimulate economic activity by improving infrastructure for residents and the steady flow of travellers who use the Nabouwalu ferry and road connections. By setting aside space for civic functions and government offices, the plan could also centralise essential services that currently require residents to travel for administrative needs.
With $3.25 million already spent, about $5.47 million remains to be invested to meet the estimated $8.72 million project cost. Nalumisa emphasised that the project is “not only about infrastructure, but also about creating opportunities, supporting local communities, and ensuring that development benefits are shared fairly and sustainably,” signalling a focus on inclusive outcomes alongside physical works.
The announcement comes amid a wider period of government investment in regional infrastructure, following recent commitments to airport and water projects elsewhere in Fiji. Planners and local leaders will watch closely for details on the construction timeline, staged roll-out of lots, and measures to attract businesses to the new commercial and industrial parcels. For communities in Bua, the upgrade represents a concrete step toward enhanced services and local economic growth anchored at Nabouwalu.