Investors can now expect a faster turn-around time when applying for building permits.

Under the newly passed Regulation of Building Permits Act, 2017, a Building Permits Evaluation Committee will ensure fast tracking of building permits approval for commercial and industrial buildings.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya says the processes under the Act will reduce the time taken to issue building permits to 28 working days.

“The Building Permits Evaluation Committee will set the timelines for the approval agencies to approve plan and will give directives to relevant authorities to issue building permits provided all requirement set out in the law are compiled with,” Mr Koya said.

Stakeholders are glad their concerns have been addressed.

Philip Toogood, Managing Director/Partner BAYLEY’s,  Fiji & South Pacific said the Act provides a clear road map for the issuing of Building Permits and gives developers and investors comfort that their applications will be properly and promptly attended to.

This Building Permits Evaluation Committee will provide a single-window for building permit applications for the construction of all buildings that are for use other than private residential use, Mr Koya added.

“This process will not sidestep the rules, regulations and standards set for the construction of buildings.

“But will be an inclusive process that ensures in the future that potential bottlenecks are resolved before they arise”, Mr Koya said.

“The fast-track process will bring together the relevant approval agencies as part of the Building and Construction Approvals Committee and building permits will be granted within a strict timeline.”

The Committee will receive applications, assess and coordinate with the approval agencies for the relevant approvals and then will coordinate with the authority that is responsible for the issuance of building permits.

The Committee consists of the permanent secretary responsible for industry and trade as the chairperson and such other members to be appointed by the Minister on such terms and conditions as the Minister considers necessary.