Pita Nacuva, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, has called on the government to prioritize the acquisition and development of low-lying lands for public recreation. In a recent interview, Nacuva highlighted the pressing need for accessible recreational spaces in Suva, where residents often travel long distances to overcrowded beaches like Pacific Harbour during holidays.

Drawing from his experience as the director of Town and Country Planning from 1975 to 1987, he mentioned a proposal he submitted for acquiring land in Rovadrau, Navua, aimed at creating recreational facilities that would benefit both local communities and residents of Suva. “Bus loads of people come from Suva to go to Pacific Harbour during holidays,” he remarked, lamenting that this proposal has yet to materialize.

Nacuva emphasized that town planning authorities and municipal councils must adhere to the Town Planning Act’s guidelines. He stressed the importance of considering road access and recreational areas in land development plans to improve urban living. He referred to Nacovo Park in Flagstaff as an example of underutilized land that could be developed into a recreational space.

In light of these concerns, the recent redevelopment of Ratu Sukuna Park under the Viti Levu Plan is particularly relevant. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has announced that the Master Plan, pending Cabinet approval, is a commitment to sustainable urban development for the next 50 years and includes maintaining and enhancing urban parks for community use. This initiative aims to address rapid urbanization and promote environmental sustainability, creating urban spaces that serve as vital green areas within the city.

The connections between the calls from Nacuva and the government’s actions on urban planning underscore a broader recognition of the crucial role that accessible green spaces play in enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. As cities grow, the emphasis on creating and preserving recreational areas becomes even more vital to encourage community well-being and sustainability.

With the ongoing efforts towards urban enhancement in Fiji, there is hope that greater emphasis on developing accessible recreational spaces can be achieved, making cities more livable and inclusive for all residents.