Back

Advancing Sustainable Growth and Resilience in Viti Levu, Fiji Through Strategic Urban Development Master Plan

Viti Levu, Fiji

Client

Ministry of Local Government, Government of Fiji

Completion

December 2023

Project Type

Strategic Spatial Master Plan (Island of Viti Levu)/ Concept Master Plan (Greater Suva, Nadi and Lautoka)

Site Area

Viti Levu (10388 sqkm)/ Concept Master Plan (320 sqkm)

Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) has partnered with the Government of Fiji (GoF) to collaborate on a series of initiatives, emphasising urban planning and development. This partnership marks Fiji’s first-ever attempt to develop a nationwide master plan, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and resilience across its diverse communities. Given Fiji’s unique geographical composition of over 300 islands, MORROW is on board to address the intricate urban challenges prevalent in the region.

Viti Levu, Fiji
Viti Levu, Fiji
Viti Levu, Fiji

Strategic Spatial Master Plan for Viti Levu

MORROW’s collaboration with SCE and GoF focuses on the strategic spatial master plan study for Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest and most populous island. This involves comprehensive analysis and planning for key urban centres, specifically the Suva-Nasinu-Nausori urban corridor and the Nadi-Lautoka urban corridor. These areas are pivotal for Fiji’s development, and our goal is to create a concept master plan tailored to the needs of Greater Suva and Nadi-Lautoka, laying the groundwork for sustainable urban development.

Strategic Spatial Master Plan Study of Viti Levu
Strategic Spatial Master Plan Study of Viti Levu
Concept Master Plan of Greater Suva
Concept Master Plan of Greater Suva
Concept Master Plan of Nadi-Lautoka
Concept Master Plan of Nadi-Lautoka

Progress and Significance of the Master Plan

This project underscores the importance of a master plan as not just a document, but a blueprint for progress. Fiji’s Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, highlighted the master plan’s aim to foster cohesive development and serve as a cornerstone for future growth. This sentiment was echoed in recent news, emphasising the project’s significance in shaping Fiji’s urban landscape.

Dr Liu Thai Ker and Director Li Yu Zhou with Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa
Dr Liu Thai Ker and Director Li Yu Zhou with Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa
Dr Liu Thai Ker and Director Li Yu Zhou with Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa

Unique Challenges and Tailored Approaches

Fiji’s relatively small population and expansive land result in low urban density, necessitating a tailored approach that respects and aligns with its distinct social and cultural context. Unlike MORROW’s usual high-density urban models designed for cities like Singapore and China, this project required careful adaptation to instil sustainability within Fiji’s low-density framework.

The project was also covered by FijiVillage and FBC News.