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Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment 2013 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENT Vision ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Mission .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Values ................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Customer Charter ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Referral letter ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Statement by the Permanent Secretary .................................................................................................. 4 Organisational Structure ................................................................................................................................ 5 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................... 6 2013 Management Team ............................................................................................................................... 7 Department of Local Government ............................................................................................................. 8 Department of Housing ............................................................................................................................... 10 Department of Town and Country Planning ........................................................................................ 12 Department of Environment
 ...................................................................................................................... 14 Corporate Services Division ......................................................................................................................... 16 2013 Highlights.................................................................................................................................................. 17 Audited Financial Report ............................................................................................................................ 19 1 Vision A Prosperous Fiji Mission A Prosperous Fiji To promote and contribute to Fiji’s socio-economic growth through improved living standards, spatial equity and sustainable environmental services in partnership with stakeholders The delivery of all services is based on the following core values: Values Constitution as Supreme Law Innovative Leadership Accountability and Transparency Integrity and Honesty Respecting the freedom, rights, values and Code of Conduct as enshrined in the 2013 Constitution Participating in innovative thinking for innovative solutions to problems Performing all duties with integrity, in a professional, apolitical, neutral and impartial manner Being honest, transparent and respectful in our dealings with team members, all customers and the general public at all times Customer Focus Serving all customers in an efficient, effective and timely manner Environmental Stewardship Productivity To protect and promote environment sustainability Promoting productivity and improvement initiatives within our workplace Safety and Security Promoting good health, safety standards and work-life balance for everyone in the workplace Customer Charter Our customers are our greatest asset.
We take pride in serving them through the Ministry‟s Service Charter, which stipulates our commitment to Service Excellence through professional high quality standards & responsiveness beyond expectations.
Our customers are: (i) Internally – Minister, Permanent Secretary and Employees of the Ministry; and (ii) Externally – Government Ministries and Departments, all other Government fully or partly owned entities, the general public, providers of goods & services, the private sector, non - Government organisations and regional and international organisations.
2 REFERRAL LETTER Mr Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum Attorney General and Acting Minister for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment Suvavou House Suva Dear Sir, I have the pleasure of submitting the Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment Annual Report 2013.

It provides the activities of the Ministry and the highlights for the year.
The Annual Report 2013 has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of section 14 of the Public Service Act 1999 and the Finance Management Act 2004, the report has been prepared with the requirements for Annual Reports by the Fiji Government Yours Sincerely Samuela Namosimalua Permanent Secretary for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment 3 STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY We are pleased to present the 2013 Annual Report for the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment.
The year has been a very challenging one for the Ministry because of the new challenges and priorities it had to meet with timelines against the number of support staff for all Departments including Corporate Service Division.
The Ministry did its level best to provide services to the Public including its Divisional offices and all the statutory bodies that come under its jurisdiction in accordance to its corporate values: • • • Be responsive to community needs Continuously improve the quality of service by focusing on customers Provide value for money and at the same time remain within the budgetary provisions The following are considered to be the key features of the Ministry‟s output for year 2013: 1.
Appointment of new Special Administrators and improvement in revenue and rate collection by municipal councils.

2.

Town Schemes, Urban Growth Management Plans for the western and northern division, strengthening of technical departments with GIS and dramatic increase in facilitation of investments and development and drafting of amendments to town planning laws.

3.

Squatter upgrading projects, Re-location and integrated income generating projects 4.
Phase 2 of Naboro Landfill project, Faith Based Environment Stewardship Summit, Hosting of the Environment and Climate Change MSG Meeting and 9th Conference of Conservation of Nature.

5.

Launching of the Lagilagi Housing Project, Nativi Sustainable Income Generation Project, and Installation of electricity at the Villa Maria Settlement.
I reiterate that Year 2013 was very challenging and we expect 2014 to be the same as we prepare for the General/National Elections with the Government‟s directive for 60% completion of all major projects in the first quarter.

The Ministry is confidence to rise above the challenges and face them with confidence and enthusiasm.

To conclude, I must applaud the concerted efforts and team work of the Executive Management and support staff during the reporting period.
Sincerely, Samuela Namosimalua Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment 4 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE January to December 2013 5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Ministry is responsible for the formulation and implementation of Local Government, Urban Planning, Housing and Environment policies and programs.

The Ministry also has responsibilities for the National Fire Authority, Housing Authority and Public Rental Board.
FUNCTIONS The Ministry‟s core business and responsibilities in 2014 is carried out by the following Departments: (i) Corporate Service Division Implement policy decisions for the overall management of the Ministry‟s budgeting, planning, financial, accounting control and human resources.

(ii) Department of Local Government Monitor the performance of Municipal Councils under the Local Government Act Cap.
125 Rev (2005) and Business Licensing Act Cap 204 Rev (2006) and National Fire Authority under the National Fire Act (1995).

(iii) Department of Town and Country Planning Administer, plan and regulate land use in Fiji through the enforcement of the Town Planning Act Cap 139 and Subdivision of Land Act Cap 140 (1978) (iv) Department of Housing Administer housing policy with specific emphasis on upgrading and resettlement programmes and provision of capital grants and social housing subsidy.
(v) Department of Environment Formulate, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Fiji‟s national environmental policies, in accordance with the Programmes to enhance growth whilst ensuring sustainability Environmental Management Act 2005, Ozone Depleting Substances Act 1998, Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002, and Litter (Amendment) Decree 2010 and Fiji‟s Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) commitments.
(vi) Project Management Unit (PMU) Plan, facilitate, coordinate, monitor, evaluate, reviewing and report on all projects and major activities in the Ministry.

It includes regular reporting on the implementation of the Strategic Plan, ACP, Cabinet Decisions and Capital Programmes.
LINKAGES OF OUTPUT WITH GOVERNMENT’S TARGETED OUTCOME In alignment to the Peoples Charter for Change Peace and Progress, Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009-2014, the Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment contributes to Pillar 4: Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency, Performance Effectiveness and Service Delivery, Pillar 5: Achieving Higher Economic Growth While Ensuring Sustainability, Pillar 6: Making More Land Available for Productive and Social Purposes, Pillar 8: Reducing Poverty to Negligible Level by 2015, Pillar 9: Making Fiji a knowledge Based Society and Pillar 11: Enhance Global Integration and International Relations.
6 2013 MANAGEMENT TEAM The Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is responsible for the Ministry.

The Senior Management consists of the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment and the Deputy Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment.
In 2013, the Ministry saw the resignation of the Minister Col. Samuela Saumatua on 14 of June with the Attorney General and Minister for Justice & Anti-Corruption Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum taking on the ministerial responsibilities as acting Minister.
During the year there was also a change of reins at the helm of leadership within the Ministry with the retirement of Permanent Secretary Mrs Taina Tagicakibau on 31st of March and the Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Saverio Baleikanacea assuming the PS role in an acting capacity until the appointment of Mr. Samuela Namosimalua on 07 October.
7 Department of Local Government responsibility of The primary the Department of Local Government is to improve local governance through the effective implementation of the Local Government Act 2005 [Cap.

125].

This is in line with Pillar 4 of the People‟s Charter for Change, Peace & Progress - Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency, Performance Effectiveness and Service Delivery.
It is also responsible for the provision of policy advice and support service to the National Fire Authority to ensure effective delivery of its core services through the National Fire Service Act 1995.

MUNICIPAL COUNCILS All municipal councils continued to improve their services to the ratepayers and business houses.

Rakiraki Town Council started to collect rates for the first time since it was declared a Town in 2012.
All other municipal councils focused on collecting rates owed by the ratepayers from past years and the response ratepayers was the encouraging.
from Policy The Ministry together with the Ministry of Industry & Trade is reviewing the local government approval processes with the aim of removing bottlenecks in development, investment processes and facilitate growth of small to medium enterprises Government endorsed the co-operation in technical areas between the National Fire Authority and Jakarta Department of Fire and Disaster Handling, Republic of Indonesia through a Memorandum of Understanding.
the The Local Government Committee (LGC) established under the Local Government Act met six times and reviewed the recommendations on the reform of local governance in Fiji.

On the revision of major legislation, the amendment of the Local Government Act Cap 125 (2005) and the National Fire Service Act (1994) commenced.
Local Government continued with the improving Improving System Government the local program of government system and one of the priorities for 2013 was to ensure the continuity of municipal service delivery by the efficient appointment of executive management within councils.
the 2013, Government made In following reshuffles within the councils: appointments following Council & Ba Tavua Nadi Sigatoka Rakiraki Special Administrators Mr Pravin Bala Mr Robin Ali Mr Jay Whyte Mr Cirikiyasawa (Interim) Ralulu The National Essential Industries Decree 2011 now covers all municipal councils including the National Fire Authority.

Council Roads The Fiji Roads Authority has been given the roads role of maintaining all including council roads and street lights.
(11) Memorandum Eleven of Agreements (MOA‟s) signed between the Fiji Roads Authority and the Suva; Municipal Councils Lautoka; Nasinu; Nadi, Lami, Nausori; Sigatoka; Labasa; Savusavu, Ba and Tavua.. namely Business Licenses There were a total of 1,368 new business licenses in addition to the 14,531 existing licenses nationwide, from the previous years.
Council Suva Lautoka Nadi Sigatoka Tavua Lami Nasinu Labasa Savusavu Levuka Rakiraki Ba TOTAL Existing Registered Business 4,662 2,234 657 2,273 284 175 460 1,432 396 87 240 535 14,531 New Business Registration 302 102 120 394 16 7 62 207 9 10 18 18 1,368 Rates Collection A total of $56,713,470 was collected as rates by 13 municipal councils in 2013.

From this total, 84% was recovery of arrears and 16% current rates due.
2013 City/Town Rates Collected $47,666, 211 $9,047,2 57 Current Rates Collected Rate Arrears Collected faced by In view of hardships the Ministry approved ratepayers, $359,979 as write off rates in accordance with the provision of Section 80 of the Local Government Act Cap 125 (2005).

8 Rates Write Off $207,681 $149,964 $2,334 January June December line with the Ministry‟s In role, complaints continue to be received from the public relating to local government services.
The complaints registered in 2013 declined by 88% from the previous year from 370 to 45 as a result of closer cooperation between the Ministry and the councils.

continued with Capital Grant Projects The Ministry the monitoring of municipal operations and utilization of capital grants or projects under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
Government allocated total funding of $3.86m for capital projects and grants of which $0.21m was for the Levuka Town Council‟s administration and operations including the maintenance of heritage Inter buildings and $1.5m Transport the relocation of the Nausori market and the bus station.

the for involving Project An additional funding of $0.45m was allocated for the accommodation of women market vendors and shelter upgrading of the Suva market.
the Solomon Regional Cooperation A visitation was made by a delegation from Islands District Councils in October to the Lami, Nasinu, Rakiraki and Lautoka municipal councils with the aim of learning and sharing local government best practices within the region.

HIGHLIGHTS – Municipalities Suva Picnic Park The Suva Picnic Park Project commenced and was opened on 7th November.
The new facilities are a first for the capital city and „My Suva Picnic Park‟ in Nasese is expected to attract local families and tourists to the area.

This project costs approximately $1.3 million and the total cost was funded by the council through the rates it collect.
Some of the features of the park are the entertainment bure which can be booked for functions, parties, weddings and even fashion shows and zumba; barbeque facility, a bridge crossing a pond, children‟s and adults‟ playing facilities, convenience that are disabled friendly and security.

provided with paid convenience and other amenities.

The $35,000 project has been described as another milestone achievement by the Suva City Council.
The Terry Walk project includes the renovation of the restrooms and the walkway along the Nubukalou Creek.
NATIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY Newly Upgraded My Suva Picnic Park Official Opening of the Suva Picnic Park by the Prime Minister of Fiji Declaration of Levuka Town as a World Heritage Site Levuka is among 14 new sites declared by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Cambodia on 22nd June 2013. its meeting United -the -at Picture of Levuka Town Formerly the Capital of Fiji, Levuka is the economic hub and largest of the twenty four settlements on the island nation.
As an outstanding example of a late port 19th Century Pacific settlement, Levuka and the island of Ovalau had been seeking recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for decades.

Upgrading of Terry Walk, Suva City Council Upgrading of the Terry walk by the Suva City Council (SCC) commenced and was this improvement the Suva public are completed.

With National Fire Authority continued to create public awareness to minimize structural fires during the year.
The NFA also invested in fleet and fire fighting equipment to improve the fire fighting capability.

12 consultations and meetings were held with National Fire Authority Board.

$1.7m was allocated to the National Fire Authority from the PSIP.

The allocation was utilized for the purchase of fire fire equipment, ladder emergency ambulance service and installation of fire hydrants.
trucks and the in involved The Ministry was monitoring of progress of capital projects and provision of policy advice on relevant Government policy through active participation in the NFA Board.

Quarterly updates are also provided to the Ministry on capital projects for the Minister‟s appraisal and also Cabinet.
HIGHLIGHTS- Authority National Fire Housing Provision of Ambulance Services In July 2013, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the Minister for Local Government Urban Development and Environment with the Ministry of Health for the takeover of the Emergency the Ambulance Service National Fire Authority and receipt of three new ambulance vehicles at the Health Ministry‟s headquarters in Toorak, Suva.
(EAS) by This is a milestone achievement and a historic moment for NFA which no to only longer firefighting and rescue fire services but to a broader emergency management service.

services related limits it Newly re-furbished Terry Walk Rakiraki Market Extension to The Rakiraki Market project which is an extension the old market was completed in March and expected to open in early 2014.

With the completion of this project, more vendors can be accommodated.
Photo of Rakiraki Market The $250,000 extension is expected to benefit vendors, particularly women vendors who sell at Rakiraki Market, who will be able to sell their produce in a more customer friendly environment.
Joint- Venture Projects Four (4) Municipal Councils reported major joint venture projects in 2013 namely: on 1) Nasinu environment the mitigation works along Laucala Beach Foreshore with United Nations Development Programme; 2) Lautoka on construction of two story shopping mall with Tappoo Group of Companies; 3) Suva with New Zealand Investors on beautification and signage; and 4) Savusavu on the Health Board Savusavu Walk project with Tourism Association.
The provision of the emergency ambulance service was a testament to Government‟s commitment look after the well- being of people through the NFA.

to 9 Department of Housing responsible for is The department facilitating affordable housing for our people effective through administration of the national housing specific emphasis on policy with resettlement and upgrading programmes and provision of capital grants and social housing subsidy.
NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY The department continued with the following activities of the National Housing Action Plan: 1.

Appointment of the National Housing Council Secretariat; 2.

Create a Secretariat with necessary staff for policy implementation; 3.

Finalize a implementation action plan; time bound 4.

Preparation Provision Implementation; of for Budgetary Policy 5.

Appointment of the National Housing Council; 6.

Prepare TOR for National Housing Council; 7.


Appointment of Housing Technical Sub Committees [HTSC] on Land, and Finance, Environment and Construction and Building Technology to address the five cross cutting issues of housing; Planning 8.

Explore potential for donor partially meet 9. to assistance budgetary expenses; Identify key stakeholders needed to support the policy process; 10.
Restructure Squatter Settlement Upgrading Unit with powers and resources commensurate with its new responsibilities; to provide facility technical and financial advisory services to prospective house builders; 11.

Create a 12.

Coordinate and monitor the performance of the housing sector on a regular basis; 13.

Promote Research and training.

14.

Promotion of Alternative Building Technology; 15.

Prepare Village and Rural Housing 16.


Improvement Plan; Prepare a programme to engage all tiers of Government, NGO‟S & community to play an effective role on housing 17. development as a partner of 18.

19.

Government; the Coordinate and monitor performance of the housing sector on a regular basis; Prepare a Cabinet Paper for the formulation the National of Housing Act; and 20. Review Housing sector Agency mandate to bring them in line with enabling principles.
URBAN Formal Table below shows the progress of ongoing and new squatter settlement upgrading projects and the project value.

Location & Land Area Works Completed & Budget Utilization (m) 2013m Project Budge t [$m] 1.

Omkar $0.752 2.

Caubati $0.657 8.491 hectares [20.89 acres] 3.

Cuvu 9.715 hectares [24.06 acres] $0.446 4.

Ledrusasa $0.573 4.064 hectares [10.04 acres] 5.

Sasawira $0.151 7.32 hectares [18.09 acres] 6.

Nakama - 7.

Namar $0.080 8.
Kalabo $0.080 $0.331 $0.758 of and and scheme of Construction Road, water, Sewerage, Electricity , Fire Hydrants and residential lots - $0.630 Approval subdivision engineering plans - Approval of geotechnical report; socio economic; topographical survey subdivision plan - of Acquisition development lease; geotechnical report; socio economic & topographical survey - Acquisition development and report - Negotiation development with TLTB - Negotiation development with TLTB - Negotiation development with TLTB - of lease geotechnical for lease for lease for lease $0.540 $0.510 Proport ion of Works Comple ted in 2013 (%) 70% 45% 50% 38% 18% 8% 8% 8% City Wide Informal Settlement Upgrading Projects The department administered 5 City Wide Informal Settlement Upgrading Project involving incremental upgrading projects to the sum of $100,000 each for infrastructure works including: (i) construction of homes for the elderly upgrading and disabled; (ii) sanitary facilities; and (iii) roads and drainage.
The above City Wide Upgrading projects has been initiated following approval by the Asian Coalition of Housing Rights on 5 sites to be carried out in Fiji in 2012.

The Table on the next page shows the details of the 5 city wide informal settlement upgrading project carried out in 2013.

(HA) The Department of Housing also facilitated the release of $1million to Housing Authority to assist financial disadvantaged customers who have paid one and half the principal home loan amount.
HA has written off 224 housing loans thus benefiting 224 households 1,120 people).

The Department of Housing have facilitated the release of $1 million Rental Subsidy to Public Rental Board (PRB) for 1,054 rental financially customers on quarterly basis during which 80 PRB rental tenants graduated from rental accommodation to full home ownership.
disadvantaged (or The Department has facilitated the release of to Housing $600,000 Assistance Relief Trust (HART) for the renovations and minor maintenance of existing homes for 364 destitute families.

15% of the the grant covers operational cost.

for the management of settlement upgrading Informal Squatter projects In squatter settlements the department currently administers 8 projects locations of squatter settlement upgrading projects nationwide.
From these, 5 were on- going and 3 new squatter settlement upgrading projects on the provisions of fully lots and securing land tenure.

Based on the relevant scheme plans, 955 households (or 4,775 people) are the targeted beneficiaries.
residential serviced Squatter Settlement Upgrading Project Beneficiarie Numbers Kalabo, 100 Omkar, Nasinu, 73 Namara, 100 Caubati Central, 248 Nakama , 100 Sasawir a, 160 Ledrusas a, 69 Cuvu, 105 squatter settlement upgrading The project involves the construction of sealed roads, provisions of water and sewerage reticulation, electricity, fire hydrants and residential allotment and issuance of a ninety nine year residential leases to sitting tenants.

10 Location 1 Lagilagi 2.
Kalekana 3 Vunikavika 4 Taiperia 5 Vatoa Nature of Project Housing construction Sanitary construction and and Roads Drainage infrastructure upgrade Roads Drainage infrastructure upgrade Sanitary construction Upgrading works completed 5 Elderly and Disabled Homes 37 sanitary units bathroom and rotamould with septic tanks Settlement Road and Drainage Upgrade Settlement Road and Drainage Upgrade 58 sanitary units with sewerage connection While the main objective of the City Wide Programme are to undertake incremental upgrading of amenities within settlement, the Lagilagi projects undertakes the construction of family unit which would require tenants to contribute their limited means and in return gaining a sense of ownership and pride.
financially within City Wide Informal Settlement Upgrading Project Beneficiarie Numbers Vatoa, 100 Lagilagi Housing Project, 165 Taiperia Settlemen t, 100 Kalekana, 100 Vunikavik a Settlemen t , 100 A total of 565 families are expected to benefit from the 5 City Wide Squatter Upgrading projects implemented by the department of housing.
RURAL Village the importance Recognizing of empowering squatters to afford their housing needs, the Ministry through the department of housing in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and I Taukei Land Trust Board continued Integrated Agriculture with Squatter Resettlement program in 2013 which aims to alleviate poverty, improve rural housing conditions and through control income sustainable generation.

5 locations have undergone resettlement programs.


formation and squatter farming the A total sum of $100,000 was allocated for each project for a period of 3 years from 2011.

Table below shows the status of this project in 2013.
Statu s of the Proje ct 50%% Value of Asset [Land and Improve ment] $375,000 25% $464,650 25% $221,000 25% $330,000 25% $295,000 Project Total Land Area 1 Lomaivun a 2 Vanuakul a 3 Maumi 4 Nativi 5 Nalotawa Project Detail 15 acres of root ginger and crops vegetables Acquisition of 89.93 ha of agricultural lease Construction of , farm house road and electricity and planting of 5 of acres cassava and ginger Preparation of Civil Remedial Works for Maumi New Site, Village Water pipe relocation and Poultry Farming Planting of 10 acres of Sugar Cane ,Yasi Plantation and construction of farm houses 17 acres land , clearing planting of Yasi and construction of nursery The benefit of these projects is realized through the rural families that have been assisted.
Sustainable Housing & Income Generating Project Beneficierie Numbers Nalotaw a, 100 Lomaivu na, 15 Vanuak ula, 40 Maumi, 100 Nativi, 100 A total of 355 families are expected to benefit from the 5 Sustainable Housing Projects.

& Income Government assistance through helping families in these areas start an income generation projects such as poultry farming, ginger farming etc.
Generating provides 11 Value Of Assests (Land & improveement proportion) Nativi, $330,000 Nalotaw a, $295,000 Maumi, $221,00 0 Vanuaku la, $464,65 0 Lomaivu na, $375,00 0 2013 HIGHLIGHTS Launching of Lagilagi project phase 1 The department achieved a milestone to in Government‟s provide decent and affordable housing through the launching of the Lagilagi Housing Project.
commitment project The Lagilagi Housing Project is a joint between my partnership Government through the Ministry of Urban Local Government, and Development, Environment, Community People Networks [PCN] and Misereor, the German Catholic Organisation.

Housing It has been a mammoth task - with a civil engineering phase that involved the relocation of squatters within the project site to other parts of the Jittu estate, to enable earth works and the provision of water and sewerage.
And a building initial construction of 33 homes at a cost of almost $3-million, with another 101 to come.

phase the for Of the 33 now completed, 24 are two bedroom units, four are three bedroom units and five have been specifically designed for the elderly and disabled.

One of these will be allocated to the Ministry of Health for the next two years to provide health care for the whole community.
Department of Town and Country Planning The key functions of DTCP are: (i) Strategic Planning of Urban and Rural Source: DTCP [2014] Compliance to 2.

Legal and Regulatory Framework To ensure sustainable development and a coordinated growth the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is responsible for the overall administration, planning and regulating of land use in Fiji through the Town Planning Act Cap.

139 and Subdivision of Land Act Cap.

140.


Areas (ii) Regulation and Development Laws DTCP also offer physical planning and land development advice to the overall decision making process of government and the private sector as well as promote town planning its understanding and guide Fiji towards a coordinated growth.
increase Fiji, to in Within these deliverables, the department facilitates two main pillars (Pillars 5 & 6) of the Road Map and People‟s Charter for Peace, Change and Pillar 7 being a new inclusion through the preparation of New Town Developments.

TOWN PLANNING ACT CAP.
139 The Forward Planning Section which is the strategic arm of the Department has the following responsibilities: i) prepares, revises and amends town planning schemes; prepare potential growth areas; local advisory plans of ii) iii) determine rezoning proposals from rural town planning areas; iv) provide planning advice to town councils, authorities, government authorities and statutory bodies, stakeholders, private sector, the public; rural local v) provides strategic physical planning for Fiji‟s growth in both the urban and rural areas and; internally provide strategic direction to both Subdivision and Development Control Sections.
vi) Implementation of Part of Urban Policy Action Plan (UPAP) The Ministry through DTCP implemented at least four (4) of the main thematic areas of the Urban Policy Action Plan (2007): 1.

Devolution of Authority, Responsibilities and Institutional Realignment consenting The Director‟s power as authority on developments is delegated to municipal councils by virtue of their approved town planning scheme.
In the hope of improving the approval process in an effective and efficient way, DTCP the UPAP has progressively through mapped out a program of further delegating powers of the Director to the councils.

The existing capacity at municipal councils in terms of urban planning and urban management is identified as a contributing implementation and factor to weak enforcement of approved town planning schemes.
The Department has established town planning units (TPU‟s) in municipal councils as an initiative to support the devolution of authority process.

Table 1: Town Planning Units TOWN COUNCIL Rakiraki Town Council Nasinu Town Council ACTIVITY Established TPU Strengthening of TPU through the GIS infrastructure provision of Consultation was made with the main stakeholders.

A draft for both Town Planning Act and Subdivision of Land Act was sent to the Office of the Solicitor General for vetting.

3.
3.

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building 6 officers were sent for short term courses fields of urban planning, overseas on strategic disaster management and urban environment as part of Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building.

planning, physical A partnership to capacity building in the urban agenda with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia initiated in May.
In addition the Department has been fortunate in the approval of the Technical Assistance provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB) to undertake the updating of the Greater Suva Urban Growth Management Action Plan (UGMAP).

4.
4.

Urban Planning and Urban Growth Management Phase 1 of the Urban Growth Management Plans (UGMAP) for Greater Western and the Northern Corridor has been completed consisting of land use surveys, research, consultation, data collation and spatial plans reflect urban growth and development from Sigatoka to Rakiraki in the Greater Western and the urban corridor linking Savusavu, Labasa and Nabouwalu for the Greater Northern.
to Three (3) growth centres were identified in the process namely Nabouwalu, Seaqaqa and Keiyasi which have been earmarked for New Town Development.

Integrating town planning principles into a village setting to facilitates an „urban fit‟ sees Participatory Planning six(6) villages located within the urban locality i.e.

Nausori Village in the central division and 5 villages of Narewa, Nakavu, Namotomoto, Saunaka and Navoci in Nadi Town.
for Town Planning Scheme & Revisions Three (3) Town Planning Schemes were provisionally approved in 2013 i.e.

Nasinu Town Planning Scheme, Revised Levuka Town Planning Scheme and Rakiraki Town Planning Scheme.

The revision of Levuka Town Planning Scheme is a contributing factor to it being declared as a World Heritage site.
Local Area Advisory Plans (LAAPs) Preliminary zoning plans for Seaqaqa, Nabouwalu and Keiyasi were produced to support and strengthen the proposal of establishing new town centers in Fiji.

Scheme Amendments and Rural Rezoning The Table shows the number of applications received and considered.
Table 2: Rezoning Summary REZONING SUMMARY 2013 Central Western REC’D APPROVED REFUSED Source: DTCP [2014] 49 29 14 51 43 24 Northern 23 9 1 TOTAL 123 81 39 in the Below is a chart that reflects changes in zoning divisions.

Residential and Commercial zones are dominant in both Central and Western Division.

respective Master Plans A total of four (4) master plans were received relating to land development and two (2) growth development area plans were received.
12 The uplift of the moratorium in September 2013 on both state and iTaukei agricultural lands also contributed to the approvals and release of agricultural land for urban use.

subdivision completion of a Survey Plans and Engineering Plans is The determined by level of compliance to conditions.

Out of the 200 survey plans received, 18 engineering plans were approved.

The survey plan provides an clearance of indication of subdivision process and works being completed.
Majority of these were for tourism and residential purposes.

106 were Eleven of the Town Planning Fees The revenue received by the department is derived from fees charged under the Town Planning Act Cap 139 and the Subdivision of Land Act Cap 140.

Department of Town and Country Planning collected a total fee of $175, 960.27 and summary shown in Table 7.

Table 8: Total Fees Collected in 2013 Activity Forward Planning Subdivision of Land Development Control TOTAL Source: DTCP [2014] Revenue $ 21, 557.
28 $ 53, 885.87 $ 100, 517.

12 $ 175, 960.27 AWARENESS ON TOWN PLANNING IN FIJI & FORGING PARTNERSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS The Department of Town and Country Planning Training and Awareness Programs is two-fold, both as a capacity building increasing greater initiative as well as understanding on town planning in Fiji.
Table 9: Awareness Programs on Town Planning Activity Revenue Presentations & Seminars Careers Expo Exhibitions TOTAL Source: DTCP [2014] 7 5 7 19 World Town Planning Day prompted the Department to produce 8 brochures, covering various topics and processes of land and building development, as a guide and tool to coordinate urban development Fiji and growth in The Department received growth plans for approval from Suva City Council for the expansion of its Central Business District in Toorak, Knolly Street and Mcgregor Road.
Government (Capital) Projects and Policy Advice DTCP plays a participative role in providing policy advice to a number of projects undertaken by government and this includes the following: (i) Sports Integrated Complexes: Vunidawa, Seaqaqa, Rakiraki, (ii) Proposed 4-lane road in Nadi and Nausori Of those received, 25 were from the western division with dominant use being Tourism.
This is a decline from past trends whereby the dominant use was residential, for property development at either Denarau or Nasoso.

Unit Environment Management (EMU) The Unit is responsible for its technical advice on foreshore applications as forwarded by the Director of Lands and makes commendations to the Director of Environment on any EIA as part of its consultation process.
(iii) Proposed Airport Runway Extension – Nausori and Nadi International The table below provides a breakdown of its deliverables: (iv) Nadi Basin Catchment (v) Regional Police Academy There are two (2) notable boards which DTCP is a member of as a representative of the MLGUDHE i.e.

Central Board of Health and Forestry Board.

Land and Building Development The Table shows the number of applications received and considered.
Table 3: Building Summary BUILDING APPLICATION SUMMARY - 2013 DIVISION RECEIV ED CONSI DERED DECISION Central Western Northern Eastern Total Source: DTCP [2014] 1074 656 201 13 1944 870 621 248 8 1747 Consente d to 505 452 150 7 1114 Refuse d 93 36 19 0 148 Deferred 272 133 79 1 485 1747 .building applications Out of the processed, 63.8% were approved, 8.2% refused and 27.8% were deferred or returned pending further action by applicants.
1% 10% 34% BUILDING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PER DIVISION - 2013 55% Central Western are Major Developments Development projects valued at $1million or above as MAJOR considered DEVELOPMENT (MD).

These are treated with a priority-processing timeline of 7-days.

Forty (40) projects was received and considered.

A summary of type of major developments per use per division is shown below in Table 6.
Table 4: Building – Major Developments MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED - 2013 Use/ Division RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIA L INDUSTRIAL CIVIC TOURISM OTHERS TOTAL RECEIVED Source: DTCP [2014] Centra l 1 3 2 1 5 1 13 Wester n 8 2 1 1 12 1 25 Norther n 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 Easter n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTA L 8 3 1 1 13 1 40 Table 5: EMU Deliverables Environment Management & Environment Assessment DOE- Impact Reports [EIA/EMP/CEMP OEMP] Commented Foreshore Matters DOL- Applications Commented Source: DTCP [2014] Foreshore Divisions Central 27 Western 20 Northern 6 17 6 3 11 11 6 5 2 2 Information System The Geographical Information System (GIS) and I.T Unit Division is responsible for the production of plans, maps, records and information of DTCP in digitized and electronic format.
Beginning in 2012, the unit has scanned and digitized all town planning schemes and a verification program on the digitized plans begins in 2014 before it can be released for the Internal data-base registry.

SUBDIVISION OF LAND The Subdivision of Land Division is responsible for processing of subdivision of land applications, approval of engineering survey plans and plans, clearance of provides advice to land developers & consultants on land subdivision matters.
Table 6: Applications Received APPLICATI ON TYPE RECEIV ED New Applications Scheme Amendment s Reconsiderat ion Waiver Relaxation Renewals Engineering Plans Survey Plans TOTAL Source: DTCP [2014] & 305 21 92 24 46 11 200 699 DECISIONS APPROV ED 308 REFUS ED 112 DEFERR ED 77 8 138 - 123 the proposals were Majority of for residential and commercial purposes and most were proposed in the western division.

Table 3 shows the breakdown of subdivision of land by uses and by each division.
for released residential, 50% Of the 1412.5hecatres of land released for urban development, 31.6% or 447hectares was for agriculture whilst the remaining 19.4% were distributed amongst the varied uses.

The demand the urban periphery for convenience and economy in the central and western division.
concentrated at 13 Department of Environment The Department of Environment The spearheads environmental is to Department‟s main objective promote sustainable use and development of Fiji‟s environment and efficient implementation of policies, legislation and programs.
the The department administers the Environment Management Act (2005), Ozone Depleting Substances Act (1998), Endangered and Protected Species Act (2002), ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT ACT 2005: Policy The National Environment Council (NEC) is established under the Act to provide policy direction to the Department.

There were 3 meetings facilitated for the NEC for the year.

One of the major issues of discussion for the year was the Namosi Joint Venture development.
The Department also implements the following policies:  National Solid Waste Management Strategy (2011- 2014);  Hydro chlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan; and  National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2011-2014).
Waste Management and Pollution Control Permit Issued Waste Recyclign Renewal 7% Waste Disposal Renewal 12% Renewal Applicati on 16% Waste Recycling Permit 10% Waste Disposal Permit 55% Majority of the applications were facilitated for Waste Disposal Permit under the following categories: Solid Waste, Liquid Waste, Livestock, Air Pollution and Hazardous Waste Endorsement.

Environment Impact Assessment A total of 232 applications for proposed developments were screened.
Months Central Western Northern ENFORCEMENT OF THE OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ACT 1998: ODS Permits Number of Permits January February March April May June July August September October November December TOTAL Approvals of EIA reports were mainly lands from proposed subdivision of (35%) river gravel followed by extraction (22%).
4% 2% 7% 57% 28% 2% New License Application Renewal of License New Application Renewal of Storage Permit to Import Permit to Export renewal 57% of the work conducted facilitated refrigeration/air- of the fumigation and conditioning technician‟s licenses.

Number of ODS Inspection 2013 5% 9% 8% 78% Number of Approvals Facility Spot Inspections Vehicle Release Refrigerant Release 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Most of the EIA Approval given by the Department in 2013 was for Subdivision developments.
Foreshore development received the lowest number from the department for the year.

14 78% of inspections were conducted for facilities pre-requisite per requirement under the ODS Act.
as ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED SPECIES ACT 2002: Registration Implementation of Fiji‟s obligation to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna A total of 40 companies were registered under the EPS Act as follows: Training of Enforcement Officers The Department facilitated training for Enforcement Officers from the following organizations:  Municipal Councils     Maritime Safety Authority of Rural Local Authority Fiji Revenue Authority Fiji Ports Corporation Limited Fiji Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Fiji Navy Fiji Police Force     Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Programme ODS Number of Participants 110 Litter Prevention CITES TOTAL 30 55 195 HIGLIGHTS: The following are some of the key highlights of the department: (i) Hosting of the 2nd Environment and Climate; being (iv) Fiji recognized (ii) Change MSG Meeting; and (iii) 9th Pacific Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas and appointed as a Conference of the Party Bureau Member for the Convention of Biodiversity and co- opted member of the Executive the Montreal Committee of Protocol on that Deplete the Ozone Layer Substances # Registered Revenue Collected Competition” were awareness activities commemorate outlined above.
the of few facilitated the to significant days Traders Aquarium companies Pawnshop Logging Companies Handicraft Centers Native Timber Trade Retailers Captive Breeders Others (Oil Distill & Mangrove Total Revenue Collected 5 7 6 0 14 5 0 3 $5,202 $7,282.80 $6,242.40 0 $3,121.20 $5202.00 $1040.40 $2,080.80 $30,171.60 CITES Permits: CITES permit issued in 2013 s t i m r e P f o r e b m u N 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Import Permit Total Issued 10 Export Permit 633 633 Export Permit and Permit were issued for Tabua trade.
10 Import AWARENESS: Environment Day Celebrations The Department commemorates the protection and sustainable use of the environment through:  World Environment Day 5th June  World Biodiversity Day 22nd May  World Ozone Protection Day 16th September Press Release, Talk Back Television advertisement and of introduction shows, the “Eco-school an Pictured above is the launch of the eco- school competition materials.
Faith Based Faith Based A Environment Stewardship Summit was facilitated in introducing April as a means of through environmental religious gatherings.

awareness Database A database on the National Resource Inventory database was established and can be accessed online via www.chmfiji.com TRAINING Technical Training: functions of the One of the core if to provide technical Department assistance to the Refrigeration and Air- conditioning Sector and Fumigation Sector and through infrastructure developments.
trainings A total of 35 Refrigeration and Air- conditioning technicians were trained.

Of this, 17 were trained as Trainers, whereby only 13 were qualified and registered under the Department after assessment.

15 of for two delivers (2) units, Service Division Corporate is responsible for the implementation of the overall policy decisions the Ministry‟s management financial, budgeting, planning, accounting control and human resources unit.
The division mainly consists of the Administration and the Accounts requirements Section pertaining to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Finance the compliance to General Order (GO) 2010, Public Service Code of Conduct, Financial Management Act (FMA), Agency Financial Manual, Financial Management Instructions (FMI), Government Wage Earners Conditions as well as the approved changes issued through Circulars from the central Agencies and reporting agencies for the adherence of the entire workforce.
to ensure (MOF) STAFF ESTABLISHMENT A total of 138 staffs are employed in the Ministry which consists of 109 Established employees, 14 Government Wage Earners [GWE], 14 volunteers and 32 project officers.

The agency engaged four (4) volunteers under the PSC/Fiji Volunteer Scheme and nine (9) attaché from the National Employment Centre.

Local Govt.
Local Govt.

7% Town & Country Planning 31% Housing 10% ESTABLISHMENT Corporat e 22% Environ ment 30% 109 32 14 14 6 Established GWE Project Volunteer Temporary Recruitment The Agency had twenty two (22) vacant positions as at January, 17 posts were approved and 14 of which are Project Officers, while the 5 remaining positions are still in process.
Corporate Services Division Staff movement During the year 16 external and internal movements of staffs occurred, either in, retirement, resignation, transfer or study leave.

A total of 29 acting appointments were also made.


TRAINING 48 Local Overseas 21 8 7 2 Short Term Long Term ACCOUNTS The Finance section provides financial administration four support departments of the Ministry administers the utilization the approved of budgetary allocation of $40,086,955 which is an increase of $$9,962,955 from 2012 Budget.

the to STAFF MOVEMENT 32 10 3 1 1 1 1 No.

Acting Appointments Department Local Government Town Country Planning Housing 2.

3. and 4.

5.
3. and 4.

5.

Environment Corporate TOTAL Total 3 12 7 4 3 29 Office accommodation There was no additional office space acquired to accommodate our increasing workforce.

However, continuous liaison with PSC Office Accommodation for the acquisition of ground floor at FFA House is in progress.

Vehicles The Ministry administers 16 vehicles of which two are stationed at the west and north divisional offices.
awarded 6 were TRAINING There were 55 officers attended training locally either on short term workshops, training, and seminars and induction of which local scholarships.

10 officers went on overseas training of which 2 were under long term scholarships training to pursue Masters Programme in Town Planning at the University 0f Sydney, Australia sponsored by AusAid and University of West Indies, Trinidad/Tobago sponsored by European Union will complete programme at the end of 2014.
Established Staff Un-established Staff Travel & Communication Maintenance & Operation Purchase Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Exp.
Total Operating Capital Construction Capital Purchase Capital Grants & Transfers Total Capital Value Added Tax The increase was due to allocation of $2,972,431 to the five (5) Departments for Operational Expenditure and $6,990,524 for Capital Grants and Transfers to Public Rental Board (PRB), Housing Authority (HA), Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART) and Town Councils.

The total 2012 was $24,563,500 representing 81.54% of the total approved budget.
expenditure for 16 MAIN MINSTRY 2013 HIGHLIGHTS Melanesian spearhead group environment and climate change minister’s meeting The Government of Fiji through the Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation hosted the 2nd MSG Environment and Climate Change Ministers Meeting at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi from the 6-8th March 2013. and The four principles contained in the declaration that was discussed are Carbon the Melanesian Blue Initiative, Melanesian Terrestrial Commitment, Melanesian Green Climate Fund and the Melanesian Green Growth Framework.
The three-day meeting is attended not only by the MSG Environment Ministers but by senior environment and climate change officials of the MSG member countries and also regional and international partners International Union for Conservation (IUCN), UNESCAP, of Nature SPREP, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), USP and UPNG, who have been providing technical the support establishment of the ECCTAC.
to members since Figure 1: Acting Permanent Secretary for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment, Mr Baleikanacea; Minister for Local Government Urban Development, Housing and Environment Col Samu Saumatua and Acting Secretary General MSG, Mr Peni Sikivou during the MSG Environment Ministers meeting (ECCTAC) The Environment and Climate Advisory Change Technical Committee the of Melanesia Spearhead Group met for the first two days of the 3 days meeting before the Ministerial meeting commenced on the last day.
2013 HIGHLIGHTS (iii) To review National Strategic and Biodiversity Action Plans (NBSAPs); (iv) To discuss the Convention on (CBD) Biological Diversity Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) and Biodiversity Programme of Work (IBoW); and Island (v) To discuss capacity building, knowledge management and learning issues pertaining to conservation in the region.

The theme of the Conference was Natural Solution: Building Resilience for a Changing Pacific.
The theme basically depicts what has been raised globally and that is in order to combat the rising issues on the environment and climate change, natural solution is the answer.

The Conference was able to meet its objectives; discussions collated during each component of the program formed the basis of the reviewed Regional Action Framework for 2014 – 2020.
The Strategy outcomes of the 9th Conference are as follows: Regional Framework Action Strategy for 2014 – 2020: One of the key outcomes from the conference was the adoption of the Regional Action Framework Strategy 2014 – 2020 which will communities, assist governments, regional agencies and institutions, donors and NGO'S in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories to achieve proper coordination and planning with appropriate strategies for various conservation programs and activities.
It is based on lessons learnt from best practices in the region shared by countries during the conference.

10 Key Actions Statement: The Action Statement was as an outcome by the Pacific Leaders during the High Level Session and it outlines all the key actions that the region has agreed to implement in view surrounding issues conservation and climate change to ensure that Pacific Islands fragile ecosystem intact and sustainable.
remains of Figure 2: Government Permanent Secretaries during the MSG Environment and Climate Change Ministrers Meeting on 6th -7t March2013 Conservation on 9th Pacific Conference Nature and Protected Areas (2-6 December 2014) The Pacific Island Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas has been an important meeting since its inception in 1975.

Countries have been guided by this Regional Conservation Conference for conservation programs which has been held every 4 years.
The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (front row with garland), and Acting Prime Minister and the Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with country leaders in the region after the opening of 9th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas at the Vodafone arena.
and Fiji through the Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Environment Housing successfully hosted the 9th Pacific Island Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas from the 2nd – 6th December at Laucala, Suva.
The objectives of the Conference were: (i) To Review the Regional Framework Action Strategy for 2008 – 2012 and to formulate a revised Action Strategy for 2014 – 2020; (ii) To promote natural solutions impacts of to address the Climate Change; 17 National Faith Based Environment Stewardship Summit: Participant at the FBO Summit faith national based The environment stewardship summit is an initiative by the Fiji Government in recognition of our ecological crisis as a desperately urgent national priority.
The Summit is a recognition that the Earth - our planet, Fiji - our islands, is our shared home, the only one we have.

Therefore; deep, integral ecology needs to include all aspects of social, political, personal, family, cultural and religious life.

Each and every political and social institution needs to adopt “the salvation of our planet” as its basic program.
to create, In all religions and humanisms, we need stimulate, and strengthen a profound and total spirituality, one focused on giving a positive sign to all of Fiji, the world and one that brings a prophetic attitude towards liberation.

These times demand a new relationship with the environment.

We want to live „ecological awakening‟ moment of activism and mysticism with the God of all names and of all utopias.
this President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the opening of the FBO Summit WARWICK OUTCOME: The Summit participants agreed that all things are divine created by God and humankind as stewards over the rest of God‟s creation as per the People‟s Charter, 2008: “As Fiji’s foundation for the common good, based on our shared values, vision and principles, we believe in God as a higher power that is in every human and in all nature and creation.
Therefore as trustees and guardians of our Creator, God, we are all one and inseparable the Source of All creation.

We seek to safeguard, preserve and value our environment as we benefit from it.
We seek to achieve this through consensus so that our people have a moral vision that will guide our development and governance that will give our people the responsibility to sustain the common good” the stakeholders The Summit brought together 70 and individual provided to understand growing environmental challenges in Fiji and the urgent need for greater collaboration of various stakeholders and government.
opportunity the for a “Pacific Island Development Pacific Forum: Island The call Development Forum” (PIDF) was endorsed by Pacific Island Leaders at the 2012 “Endorsed the convening of the Pacific Islands Development Forum for the purpose of engaging leaders from key sectors in implementing green economic policies in PSIDS…” (Source: Official Communiqué).
18 growth inclusive PIDF focus will not only be on socially or environmentally sustainable growth but on green/blue economy that enhances sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment successfully facilitated a Green Growth Expo at the Pacific in Island Development Forum August 2013.
Western School students with their display at the Environment green Growth model Competition during the PIDF Green Growth Expo facilitated by the MLGUDHE PIDF provides the platform for multi stakeholder cooperation amongst Pacific Island Countries which will bring value added regional governance and problem-solving in terms of sustainable development through the green economy.
to Youth Volunteers engaged for the Green Growth Expo The green economy which PIDF has been mandated to address promises a way forward by offering a system of economic development that ensures both growth and the long- term viability of human culture and the planet.

It recognizes that by reformulating how we approach economic growth, we don‟t have to sacrifice the natural world or human wellbeing in order to achieve true wealth.
AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT 2013 19 20 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ TABLE OF CONTENTS INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT........................................................................................................... ......................................3 MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE.................................................................................................................. .................................5 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ..................................6 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ..................................7 APPRORIATION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ....................................................................8 APPRORIATION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ....................................................................9 STATEMENT OF LOSSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013...........................................................................10 DEPATMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TRUST ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ............................................................................................. .................................... 11 DEPATMENT OF HOUSING CITY WIDE INFORMAL SETTLEMENT UPGRADING TRUST ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ......................................12 NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER2013....................................................................................................................
13 21 22 23 24 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT (HEAD 23) STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 RECEIPTS Agency Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue Total Agency Revenue TOTAL RECEIPTS EXPENDITURE Operating Expenditure Established Staff Unestablished Staff Travel & Communications Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure Total Operating Expenditure Capital Expenditure Construction Grants & Operations Total Capital Expenditure Value Added Tax TOTAL EXPENDITURE Notes 3 (a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 3 (e) 3 (0 3 (g) 3 (h) 3(i) 30) 3(k) 2013 $ 170,283 170,283 170,283 279,143 15,722 35,236 37,418 18,032 2012 $ 4,694 4,694 4,694 238,051 12,774 29,241 37,344 72,428 750,000 1,000,000 140,258 1,275,809 173,768 1,563,606 1,955,234 11,917,235 13,872,469 321,692 15,469,970 1,357,010 13,134,799 14,491,809 248,918 16,304,333 25 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT (HEAD 37) STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ Notes 2013 $ RECEIPTS State Revenue Town and Country Planning Fees Commission Total State Revenue Agency Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue Total Agency Revenue TOTAL RECEIPTS EXPENDITURE Operating Expenditure Expenditure Established Staff Unestablished Staff Travel & Communications Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure Total Operating Expenditure Capital Expenditure Construction Purchases Grants & Operations Total Capital Expenditure 3 (1) 3 (m) 3 (n) 3(o) 3(p) 3 (q) 3 (r) 3 (s) 3 (t) 3(u) 3(v) 3(w) 2012 $ --- --- ---- 4,694 4,694 137,027 4,679 141,706 44,248 44,248 185,954 4,694 2,193,446 132,212 176,141 262,395 156,657 1,642,026 1,917,027 6,479,904 1,883,199 123,840 178,728 276,478 140,962 955,146 2,043,157 5,601,510 1,260,724
 300,000 3,002,500 4,563,224 22,608 469,836 1,695,800 2,188,244 Value Added Tax 3(x) 586,958 469,490 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 11,630,086 8,259,244 26 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT (HEAD 23) APPRORIATION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ SEG Item Appropriation Budget Revised Estimate Changes Estimate $ b --- $ a 312,569 312,569 $ Actual Carry Lapsed Expenditure Over Appropriation $ $ $ (a-b) 279,143 --- 33,426 Established Staff Unestablished Staff 15,722 --- Travel & Communication 36,000 --- Maintenance & Operations 50,000 --- Purchase of Goods & Services 24,000 --- 15,722 36,000 50,000 24,000 15,722 --- ---- 35,236 --- 764 37,418 --- 12,582 18,032 --- 5,968 Operating Grants & Transfers 1,000,000 (250,000) 750,000 750,000 --- ---- Special Expenditure Total Operating Costs Capital Expenditure Construction 174,000 1,612,291 (250,000) --- 174,000 140,258 1,362,291 1,275,809 --- --- 33,742 86,482 1,000,000 1,576,324 2,576,324 1,955,234 --- 621,090 Purchases ---- ---- ---- --- ---- 10 Grants & Transfers 21,000,000 1,830,000 22,830,000 1,917,235 10,912,765 Total Capital Expenditure 22,000,000 3,406,324 25,406,324 13,872,469 11,533,855 13 Value Added Tax 192,600 236,448 429,048 321,692.33 --- 107,356 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 23,804,891 3,392,772 27,197,663 15,469,970 --- 11,727,693 Appropriation Movements The Cabinet in 2013 approved the following redeployment funds.
Item Project Name Operating Grants & Transfers Public Rental Board Subsidy Capital Construction Capital Grants & Transfers Value Added Tax Squatter Upgrading and Resettlement Lagilagi Project Squatter Upgrading and Resettlement Projects Public Rental Board Value Added Tax Payment Value Added Tax Payment Total Amount $ (250,000) 610,000 966,323 1,830,000 236,448 3,392,771 27 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND - ENVIRONMENT (HEAD 37) APPRORIATION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ Revised Estimate $ Carry Over Appropriation $ Lapsed Item SEG $ Budget Appropriation Estimate $ a Changes $ b Actual Expenditure $ (a-b) 1 Established Staff 2,648,947 --- 2,648,947 2,193,446 --- 455,501 2 Unestablished Staff 134,737 --- 134,737 132,212 --- 2,525 3 Travel & Communications 189,029 --- 189,029 176,141 4 Maintenance & Oper 301,200 --- 301,200 262,395 5 Purchase of Goods & Serv 170,505 --- 170,505 156,657 --- --- --- 6 Operating Grants & Trans 1,656,222 --- 1,656,222 1,642,026 --- 12,888 38,805 13,848 14,196 7 Special Expenditure 2,074,652 --- 2,074,652 1,9 17027 --- 157,625 Total Operating Costs 7,175,292 --- 7,175,292 6,479,904 --- 695,388 Capital Expenditure Construction 1,350,000 (50,000) 1,300,000 1,260,724 --- 39,276 8 9 10 Purchases 300,000 --- 300,000 Grants & Transfers 2,710,000 292,500 Total Capital Expenditure 4,360,000 242,500 3,002,500 4,602,500 300,000 3,002,500 4,563,224 --- --- -- --- --- --- --- 39,276 59,542 794,206 13Value Added Tax 654,000 (7,500) 646,500 586,958 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 12,189,292 235,000 12,424,292 11,630,086 Appropriation Movements The Cabinet in 2013 approved the following redeployment funds.
Item Capital Construction Capital Grants & Transfers Value Added Tax Project Name Construction of Western Officer Levuka Town Council Grant Suva City Council Grant - Market Shelter for Weekend Vendors Value Added Tax Payment Total Amount $ (50,000) (157,500) 450,000 (7,500) 235,000 28 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT STATEMENT OF LOSSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 _____________________________________________________________________________ _ Loss of Money There was no loss reported for the Ministry in 2013.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TRUST ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ Notes 2013 $ 506,944 1,977,707 919,198 69,455 3,473,304 37,596 1,802,520 994,526 --- 2,834,642 2012 $ 650,859 2,435,402 481,128 44,699 3,612,088 753,261 1,120,249 641,597 2,249 2,517,356 1,094,732 360,957 638,662 1,455,569 --- 2,094,231 120 1,455,569 RECEIPTS Ozone Depletion Substance (ODS) Fines Waste and Environment Impact Assessment Environment Trust Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Total Receipts PAYMENTS Ozone Depletion Substance (ODS) Waste & EIA Environment Trust Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Total Payments Net Surplus Balance as at 1 January Less Adjustment Closing Balance as at 31 December 29 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPATMENT OF HOUSING CITY WIDE INFORMAL SETTLEMENT UPGRADING TRUST ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ________________________________________________________________________________________ _ Notes 2013 $ 2012 $ RECEIPTS Main Trust Fund Receipts Total Receipts PAYMENTS Main Trust Fund Payments Total Payments Net (Deficit)/ Surplus Balance as at 1 January Closing Balance as at 31 December 7 243,655 243,655 235,263 235,263 235,321 235,321 8,334 (1,065) 7,269 236,328 236,328 (1,065) --- (1,065) 30 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ NOTE 1: REPORTING ENTITY The Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is responsible for the formulation and implementation of local government and urban planning policies and the formulation and implementation of
 housing and integration of programmes to eradicate poverty.
It also has responsibilities for National Fire Services.

The Ministry's functions are categorized into the following programme areas: General Administration Section, Local Government, Department of Town and Country Planning and the Housing Department.

The Department of Environment, which was previously under the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources portfolio in 2009, has now been absorbed under this Ministry.
From 2012 the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment's budget has been allocated under 2 separate heads.

The budget for the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is allocated under head 37 while the Department of Housing is allocated under head 23.

The Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is responsible for the administration and accounting for both the budget heads.
NOTE 2: STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) Basis of Accounting/Presentation In accordance with Government accounting policies, the financial statements of the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is prepared on cash basis of accounting.

All payments related to purchases of fixed assets have been expensed.

The financial statements are presented in accordance with the Financial Management Act and the requirements of Section 7 1(1) of the Finance Instructions 2010.
The preparation and presentation of a Statement of Assets and Liabilities is not required under the current Government policies, except for that of the Trading and Manufacturing Accounts.

(b) Accounting for Value Added Tax (VAT) All income and expenses are VAT exclusive.

The Ministry on a monthly basis takes out VAT output on total money received for expenditure from Ministry of Finance.

VAT input on the other hand is claimed on payments made to the suppliers and subcontractors for expenses incurred.
The VAT payment as per the statement of receipts and expenditure relates to the VAT input claimed on payments made to the suppliers and sub-contractors for expenses incurred and VAT payments to FRCA.

Actual amount paid to FRCA during the year represent the difference between VAT Output and VAT Input.
31 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ NOTE 2: STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (con't) (c) Comparative Figures Where necessary, amounts relating to prior years have been reclassified to facilitate comparison and achieve consistency in disclosure with current year amounts.
Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when actual cash are received by the Ministry.

(d) NOTE 3: SIGNIFICANT VARIATIONS Head 23 - Department of Housing a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) The Miscellaneous Revenue increased by $165,589 or 3,527.7% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to clearance of stale cheque and over payment recoveries.

The Established Staff costs increased by $41,092 or 17.3% in 2013 compared to 2012.

This was mainly due to increase in staff establishment for Department of Housing.
The Government Wage Earners costs increased by $2,948 or 23.1% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in staff establishment and increase in overtime costs.

The Travel and Communications costs increased by $5,995 or 20.5% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in travel related costs.

The Maintenance and Operations costs increased by $74 or 0.20% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in maintenance costs.
The Purchase of Goods and Services costs decreased by $54,396 or 75.1% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to decrease in purchase of goods and services related cost.

The Operating Grants and Transfers costs decreased by $250,000 or 25% in 2013 compared to 2012 was due to the redeployment of funds to other Ministries and Departments.

The Special Expenditure costs decreased by $33,510 or 19.3% in 2013 compared to 2012.

This was mainly due to decrease in Housing Policy and Implementation Plan related cost.
The Capital Construction costs increased $598,223 or 44.1% in 2013 compared to 2012 was due to the increase in Squatter Upgrading and Resettlement activities.

The Capital Grants and Transfers costs decreased by $1,217,564 or 9.3% in 2013 compared to 2012.

This was mainly due to less Sustainable Rural Housing/Income Generating Project carried out in 2013.
32 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 ________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE 3: SIGNIFICANT VARIATIONS (con't) Head 23 - Department of Housing k) VAT costs increased by $72,774 or 29.2% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in expenditure in other allocations.
Head 37 - Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development and Environment l) m) n) o) p) q) r) s) t) u) v) w) The State Revenue increased by $57,070 or 67.4% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in Town and Country Planning Fees collected.

The Agency Revenue increased by $38,979 or 739.8% in 2013 compared to 2012.

This was mainly due to clearance of stale cheque and over payment recoveries.
The Established Staff costs increased by $310,247 or 16.5% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in staff establishment.

The Government Wage Earners costs increased by $8,372 or 6.8% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in overtime costs.

The Travel and Communications costs decreased by $2,587 or 1.4% in 2013 compared to 2012 due reduction travel and communication related costs.
The Maintenance and Operations costs decreased by $14,083 or 5.1% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to decrease in maintenance and operations related costs.

The Purchase of Goods and Services costs increased by $15,695 or 11.1% due to increase in purchases of goods and services by Ministry.

The Operating Grants and Transfers costs increased by $686,880 or 71.9% due to increase in subsidy payment for Naboro Landfill.
The Special Expenditure costs decreased by $126,130 or 6.2% in 2013 compared to 2012 was due to decrease in Local Government Review and Special Administrators related costs.

The Capital Construction costs decreased by $1,238,116 or 5,476.4% due to construction of Naboro Landfill Phase lB.

The Capital Purchases costs decreased by $169,836 or 36.1% in 2013 compared to 2012 was mainly due to decrease in capital purchase by Department of Town and Country Planning.
The Capital Grants and Transfers costs increased by $1,306,700 or 77.1% in 2013 compared to 2012.

This was mainly due to the grant paid for the Relocation of Nausori Bus Stand and Market.
33 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 _______________________________________________________________________ NOTE 3: SIGNIFICANT VARIATIONS (con't) Head 37—Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development and Environment x) VAT costs increased by $117,468 or 25% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to increase in expenditure in other allocations.
NOTE 4: OPERATING TRUST FUND ACCOUNT As at 31 December 2013, the Ministry had a credit balance of $264,182 and $11,706 for Head 23 and 37 respectively in Operating Trust Fund account.

Refer to table below for details Head Housing (23) Local Government, Urban Development and Environment (37) .

Amount $ 264,182 11,706 NOTE 5: DRAWINGS ACCOUNT As at 31 December 2013, the Ministry had a balance of $2,128,652 in Drawings account.
These monies relate to cheque written by the Ministry that was yet to be presented to the bank.

NOTE 6: REVOLVING FUND ACCOUNT As at 31 December 2013, the Ministry had a credit balance of $379,423 for Head 23 and debit balance of 16,822 for Head 37 in the Revolving Fund account.

Refer to Table below for details.


Head Housing (23) Local Government, Urban Development and Environment (37) Amount $ (379,423) 16,822 NOTE 7: TRUE TRUST FUND ACCOUNT The Environment Main Trust Fund Account reflected under head 37 had $2,094,231 credit balance for year 2013 compared to a credit balance of $1,455,569 in 2012.

The City Wide Main Trust Fund under head 23, had a credit balance of $7,269 for the year 2013, compared to a debit balance of $1,065 in the year 2012.
34 MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT FFA HOUSE 4 GLADSTONE ROAD BOX 2131, GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, SUVA, FIJI 35