CHECK INSIDE — POTENTIAL LAND FOR SALE
amadigibuli@fijitimes.com.fj
THE Korovou new town development is expected to put Korovou on the map in terms flourishing business and residential growth.
Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar during the Korovou development stakeholders workshop in Korovou last month said as part of the Fijian Government’s Urban Policy Action Plan, they were implementing the new town development program.
“With the assistance of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, we have successfully acquired two leases, one which is the 10-acre site adjacent to the market and the 40-acre site, the extension to the existing Korovou trading centre,” she said.
“Korovou has the unique advantage of being strategically situated. It is only 31 kilometres from Nausori. Korovou is known not only for the Fiji’s dairy industry, but also for
Natovi Jetty, a port used by ferries to
Ovalau, Vanua Levu and other destinations.
“Korovou also has readily available land to allow extensions and development and that too in a taxfree zone.”
The landowning units also played a pivotal part in the new development. She thanked landowning units for their support in giving consent for the use of their land for the development.
“Without this, none of what we hope to achieve for Korovou and the people of Korovou would be possible,” she said. “These projects when realised, will encourage a more vibrant and radiant look for Korovou, bringing services that are located at unreasonable distances.
“It will reduce travel time and bring services and facilities to the people instead.”
The ministry’s focus in the next three to five years is to complete all documentation work pertaining to the 10-acre site. “This includes scheming, flood studies, engineering, environment and hydrology studies. In its immediate building infrastructure needs, the market and bus station will be a key part of the development and for everyone in Korovou,” she said.
Once the ministry commences with the plan they will then develop proposals to encourage more public private partnerships. “This offer will extend to potential partners, locals and overseas who intend to set up businesses. “Of course this will happen after due leasing and consenting arrangements with iTaukei Land Trust Board and the Ministry of Lands is sorted out.” The project is aimed at enhancing socio-economic mix land use development ranging from residential, commercial, industrial, civic development. The civic development would include a new market, bus station, carrier, taxi stands, other public amenities and a riverside park project.