Navua has officially been declared Fiji’s 14th municipality, bringing to fruition an aspiration that dates back more than five decades. 

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka formally declared Navua a town at a ceremony held at Thompson Park on 28 August 2026. The declaration marked a historic milestone for the people of Navua and recognised the contribution of generations of residents, traditional leaders, businesses, public officials and other stakeholders who have supported the area’s development since efforts to achieve town status first began in 1973. 

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised that the declaration was not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new phase of responsibility and opportunity. He highlighted the importance of good governance, sound financial management, effective planning and accountability as Navua transitions into a fully functioning municipality. 

The Prime Minister also underscored the need for Navua’s future development to be climate-resilient and well-managed, particularly in light of increasing pressure on roads, drainage, water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as the town’s exposure to flooding, cyclones and heavy rainfall. Protecting the Navua River and surrounding environment was also identified as an important priority. 

A multi-stakeholder effort 

The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa has been a critical champion of Navua’s declaration and in advancing the process. His support helped move forward an aspiration that had remained under consideration for many years, culminating in extensive public consultations and strong backing from residents, traditional leaders and the provinces of Serua and Namosi. 

The Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ms Seema Sharma and her Ministry team also played a central role in progressing the declaration and coordinating the institutional and administrative work required to establish the new town. The achievement is especially significant for Fiji’s local government sector, as Navua is the first new town to be declared in 16 years. 

CLGF also places on record its appreciation for the dedicated staff of the Lami and Navua Town Councils, whose work on the ground helped support the transition and preparations leading up to the declaration.

An opportunity for effective, inclusive and accountable local governance 

Ms Lucy Slack, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), congratulated the Government of Fiji and the people of Navua on this historic achievement. 

She said: “The establishment of the Navua Town Council represents an important development in Fiji’s local government landscape. It is a significant milestone for the people of Navua and creates an important opportunity to build strong foundations for effective, inclusive and accountable local governance.” 

Ms Slack noted that, as a newly established municipality, Navua now has the opportunity to develop the governance systems, institutional capacity, strategic planning arrangements and service-delivery mechanisms needed to respond effectively to the needs and expectations of its growing community. 

She also reaffirmed CLGF’s commitment to supporting strong, resilient and responsive local government across the Commonwealth and welcomed opportunities for continued engagement with Fiji’s Ministry of Local Government and the new Navua Town Council. 

The declaration of Navua as a town therefore represents both the culmination of a long-standing community aspiration and the beginning of an important new chapter in local governance. As Prime Minister Rabuka noted at the ceremony, the true significance of the declaration will ultimately be measured by what follows and by the improvements it delivers for the people of Navua.