Govt secures land for Korovou Town expansion

The Ministry of Local Government has secured a 10-acre block of land next to the Korovou Market in Tailevu and a further 40 acres for town expansion, with a car park identified as the first priority for development.

This was revealed by Mohammed Ziar in Parliament yesterday.

Mr Ziar told the Standing Committee on Social Affairs the land was acquired through the iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Department of Lands, and concept plans were already in place.

“The first phase would be the 10-acre site next to the market. We’re looking at commercial development with a nine-metre-wide service lane, which includes loading and car parking,” he said.

Civil works are subject to funding approval from the Ministry of Finance, which Mr Ziar said was currently prioritising existing projects.

He expected planning and documentation to begin in the next financial year.

Committee member Viam Pillay, who raised the issue during the hearing, said a car park must be the immediate priority given the daily congestion at Korovou, where buses, taxis and goods vehicles load and unload passengers and freight along the main street.

“Since you have already acquired the land, the car park should be your priority,” Mr Pillay said.

Ministry permanent secretary Seema Sharma acknowledged the restrooms built at Korovou under a previous project were in poor condition.

She said the Nausori Town Council, which oversees Korovou, would be reminded of its responsibility to maintain the facilities using its existing budget allocation.

Korovou is a busy transit and commercial hub in Tailevu along Viti Levu’s Kings Road.