Suva City Council and Nasinu City Council, which are the two largest municipalities in the country, admit that they lack manpower in the field of urban planning.

This was highlighted to FBC News during World Urbanism Day in Suva this morning.

Both admit the crucial role of planners in the expansion of municipalities and future development.

They say some progress has been made to improve human resources in this area as it continues to experience population growth, creating a need for more planners.

Nasinu City Council chief executive Felix Magnus says Nasinu is ready to expand and the role of planners is important.

“Actually, we have three right now and we are going to advertise for two other positions. We just installed the Town Manager and Planning Manager and will soon be announcing two more to help. We also foresee growth in the city, so we need people with experience and knowledge in that area, urban planning.”

SCC Special Administrators chairperson Tevita Boseiwaqa says they currently only have two planners, but with new and more developments in the pipeline, demand is increasing.

“Because there is a need, especially in service delivery, approvals, etc., we have hired two others. “We have also hired FNU interns to assist and are advertising urgently needed positions to ensure services are provided.”

Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa highlights the importance of ensuring that designs are not only modern but also resilient.

“Our planning needs to be structured and designed in such a way that when we propose developments, they are conducive to the environment and provide a sustainable future for the people who will reside and live in those towns and cities.”

Nalumisa also revealed that a team from the Ministry is currently involved in developing Master Plans for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu that will set the framework for consistent and coordinated growth across all towns and cities.

He says the plan aims to achieve a fixed vision for Fiji’s future in which public infrastructure is aligned.