Groundwork on a new $120 million housing subdivision that will link Nakasi to Lokia in Nausori has started.

The project by Fijian company China Village Estate Development Limited will have 840 housing lots spread over 231 acres of native land. The company is owned by a Fijian citizen and all its employees are locals.

General manager Jim Raiwalui said they have started making drains which would act as boundaries.

He said they have been in constant touch with Government agencies to ensure that everything was done in accordance to the law.

Mr Raiwalui said their project would not be like housing projects that have created hype and not taken off.

“There is a huge demand for housing and government agencies have backed the project because everything is being done in accordance with the requirements,” Mr Raiwalui said.

“This project was initiated in 2017. We have the blessing of the traditional landowners and all necessary arrangements have been done. The iTaukei Trust Board have approved the plans as well.”

In a letter by the iTaukei Land Trust Board on January 10, 2020, the company was told that its proposed plans for the development had been approved by the Land Development Vetting Committee.

The map showing Namalata No.3 phasing plan in Toga, Rewa.

The letter also advised the company to ensure that infrastructure such as water, drainage, roads, sewer lines and solid waste management were done to the approved standards.

The company has also been holding regular meetings with the Department of Town and Country Planning.

Once ready, the lots would range in sizes between 800 square metres and 1300 square metres.

The company has acquired a development lease for 10 years but they intend to finish the project faster than that.

Constant battle with fires

China Village Estate has been having a constant battle with fires in the land that has been marked for development.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, another fire was started in the land that is currently filled with bushes.

Mr Raiwalui said it looked like people were lighting fires for fun.

“That is one of the reasons why we are digging drains. So when a fire is started it does not spread,” he said.

“In the past three years, we have seen that fires are more common during the dry season.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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