Big progress in Vanua Levu, Taveuni developments

The Na Vualiku Project has a number of upcoming milestones across Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

These include solar power for public buildings, solid waste management, airport planning, and tourism infrastructure design within the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) and Community-Based Tourism (CBT) support programme.

These were highlighted during the 6th World Bank Implementation Support Mission which took place from April 27 to May 8.

For communities and small businesses, one of the most anticipated areas is the MSME and Community-Based Tourism Support Programme.

More than 300 applications for the MSME and Community-Based Tourism Support Programme were received from local businesses, women-led enterprises, and community-based tourism operators.

This was according to information from the Impact newsletter, by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, World Bank Group, Na Vualiku, Fiji Airports and Fiji Roads Authority.

The newsletter said the capacity building programme is expected to commence by June 2026, while screening and assessments continue to identify eligible beneficiaries for business support and CBT grant assistance.

Renewable energy work is also moving forward apace.

“Validation workshops will be held in June and the solar feasibility study for selected public buildings in Labasa and Savusavu, including Savusavu Hospital, is expected to be completed by July 2026,” the newsletter said.

“Bids for supply and installation works will go to market by August 2026. Waste management work is also progressing, following initial stakeholder consultations.

“This work focuses on practical improvements to existing rubbish disposal sites and longer-term planning for cleaner, safer waste services across Labasa, Savusavu, and Taveuni. By July 2026, the project is expected to identify early improvements that can be made at current facilities, with works expected to begin by November 2026.”

The mission also noted continued progress in the area of aviation.

“Labasa Airport runway strengthening works have been completed, while further planning for Savusavu and Matei airports is on track to support safer, more reliable airport infrastructure and future aviation capacity,” Impact said.

Long-term tourism planning is also gaining momentum.

The Integrated Tourism Master Plan is now moving through tourism baseline analysis, environmental and social assessment integration, spatial modelling, and growth scenarios that will help guide tourism development across the Northern Division over the next 25 years, the newsletter said.