More commercial space has been designated in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, to enhance economic development. Filimoni Vosarogo, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, inaugurated a 1.14-hectare commercial lot at Qaraniqatio in Savusavu last Friday.
This newly allocated lot aims to address the need for commercial facilities while generating jobs, boosting local enterprises, and improving the economic environment in Savusavu. The area is planned to feature nine or ten commercial blocks along with parking spaces, with the expectation that each block could create around 15 jobs.
Vosarogo noted that approximately 150 people will find employment in this area, reducing the need for residents to seek work abroad or in larger cities like Suva. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, stating that this initiative provides a solid foundation for growth in local communities.
He remarked on the stagnation of progress in the past decade for various stakeholders and underscored the necessity of supporting local businesses and investors while taking advantage of available opportunities. Vosarogo pointed out that development requires proper infrastructure as a precursor.
He expressed gratitude to Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji for their leadership in this project. “Being part of the government, we are committed to ensuring development reaches the North,” he said.
Sanya Dayal, director of Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji, shared that through this partnership, feasibility studies have been conducted to pursue sustainable development objectives, aiming to transform the area into a thriving commercial hub in the future. He also noted that the project’s second phase will focus on enhancing the Energy Fiji Limited grid, as well as the water supply and road infrastructure for the commercial lots.