Additional commercial space has been designated in Savusavu, Vanua Levu to foster economic growth. Last Friday, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, inaugurated a 1.14-hectare commercial lot located at Qaraniqatio in Savusavu.
This lot is expected to not only provide essential commercial space but also create jobs, energize local businesses, and improve the overall economic environment of Savusavu. The state land will accommodate nine or ten commercial blocks, along with parking facilities, with the potential to generate around 15 jobs per commercial unit. Vosarogo estimates that this development could result in employment opportunities for approximately 150 individuals in Savusavu.
He remarked, “This creates employment in Savusavu, as opposed to individuals seeking work abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or even in Suva.” Vosarogo emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, highlighting collaborative efforts between the state and private entities to establish a robust framework for growth in local communities.
The minister noted that there has not been significant movement among various stakeholders over the past decade. He stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and investors and engaging with available opportunities. “Development does not come autonomously; infrastructure must precede it,” he commented.
Vosarogo expressed gratitude to Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji for its leadership in the project. “We are committed to ensuring that development benefits the Northern region,” he stated.
Sanya Dayal, director of Land Planning, Surveying and Engineering Consultants Pte Limited Fiji, mentioned that their partnership ensured all feasibility studies were performed, aiming to achieve sustainable development goals and transform the area into a thriving commercial hub. He added that the next phase of the project would involve improvements to the Energy Fiji Limited grid, along with water and roadworks for the commercial lots.