Additional commercial space has been designated in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, to support economic growth. The Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, inaugurated a 1.14-hectare commercial lot at Qaraniqatio in Savusavu on Friday.
This new lot aims to address the demand for commercial space, generate employment opportunities, invigorate local businesses, and improve the overall economic conditions in Savusavu. The area will feature nine or ten commercial blocks along with adequate parking facilities, with an estimated 15 jobs created per commercial space.
Minister Vosarogo stated that this initiative could lead to the employment of 150 individuals within Savusavu, potentially reducing the need for locals to seek work abroad in places like Australia, New Zealand, or even Suva. He emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in facilitating growth in various regions.
He pointed out that there has been limited progress for stakeholders in the past decade and highlighted the need to support local businesses and investors. He noted that development requires foundational infrastructure to be established first.
Minister Vosarogo expressed gratitude to Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji for their leadership in the project, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering development in northern regions.
Sanya Dayal, director of Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji, stated that their partnership has enabled extensive feasibility studies to be conducted, aligning with sustainable development goals and aiming to create a vibrant commercial hub in the future. He mentioned that the second phase of the project would entail improvements to the Energy Fiji Limited grid, water supply, and road access to the commercial lots.