Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica announced that the redevelopment of Ratu Sukuna Park is part of a larger initiative known as the Viti Levu Plan. During the park’s reopening, he emphasized that the Master Plan, set to be approved by the Cabinet, will serve as a guiding vision for the next 50 years, directing sustainable development in towns and cities, particularly in the greater Suva area.
Kamikamica noted that the Viti Levu Master Plan aims to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability. It aims to preserve and enhance urban spaces like Ratu Sukuna Park, ensuring they act as essential green areas within the city.
For Suva, the Master Plan promises improvements in infrastructure, better transportation networks, and the strategic expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. By incorporating parks and open spaces like Ratu Sukuna Park into this framework, the plan ensures that urban growth is economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to urban development, highlighting Ratu Sukuna Park as a prime example. He mentioned that the Ministry of Local Government is currently undertaking several initiatives in line with the objective of creating better-planned towns and cities.
Kamikamica also pointed out that their commitment to urban planning is reflected in the recent approval of the National Housing Policy Review, which addresses Fiji’s housing issues by prioritizing affordable, safe, and sustainable housing for all citizens. This policy embraces climate-resilient practices and aims to enhance urban planning to ensure that every Fijian has access to decent housing.