Navua has officially become Fiji’s 14th municipality following its declaration as a town by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

The declaration marks a historic milestone for Navua and fulfils an aspiration dating back more than five decades to the 1970s.

Speaking at the official declaration, Rabuka said the milestone follows years of advocacy, consultation and preparation by the people of Navua.

“Today, after many years of advocacy, consultation and preparation, we have the privilege of seeing that long-held hope become a reality,” Rabuka said.

He said becoming a town will provide a stronger foundation for local governance, improved municipal services and more orderly development.

However, Rabuka stressed that the declaration itself is only the beginning, with the new status expected to deliver meaningful improvements for residents.

“Town status is not an end. It creates an obligation for the Council, businesses, communities, and residents to work together to build a well-managed, clean, safe and prosperous Town,” he said.

Rabuka also highlighted Navua’s strategic location along the economic corridor linking Suva with the southern and western parts of Viti Levu.

He said this positions Navua to develop further as a hub for commerce, services, agriculture and investment.

“Navua must not only benefit from Fiji’s growth; it must also be part of driving that growth,” Rabuka said.

With Navua vulnerable to flooding and other natural hazards, the Prime Minister also stressed the need for future development to be sustainable and resilient to cyclones and the impacts of climate change.

“We must not simply build a bigger Navua; we must build a better Navua,” he said.

Rabuka called on the Navua Town Council, residents, businesses and surrounding communities to work together to shape the future of Fiji’s newest town.