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 explained that the Master Plan, pending Cabinet approval, will act as a guiding framework for the next 50 years, aiming to manage the sustainable development of urban areas, especially in the greater Suva region.
Kamikamica highlighted that the Viti Levu Master Plan will tackle the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability. It aims to ensure that urban spaces such as Ratu Sukuna Park are maintained and enhanced, serving as essential green spaces within the city.
For Suva, this Master Plan signifies enhancements in infrastructure, transportation networks, and a thoughtful expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. By incorporating parks and open areas like Ratu Sukuna Park into the planning process, the goal is to foster cities that are not only economically dynamic but also environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to urban development, citing Ratu Sukuna Park as a prime example of this commitment. He added that the Ministry of Local Government is implementing several initiatives that align with the objective of well-planned towns and cities.
“Our commitment also includes town planning, highlighted by the recent approval of the National Housing Policy Review. This policy addresses Fiji’s housing issues by prioritizing affordable, safe, and sustainable housing options. It incorporates climate-resilient practices and seeks to improve urban planning to ensure that every Fijian has access to good housing,” Kamikamica stated.