Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697765307901.pdf (Fiji)
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2009 PARLIAMENT OF FIJI PARLIAMENTARY PAPER NO.
19 OF 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................................... 3 LETTER TO THE MINISTER ................................................................................................................... 4 FOREWORD BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY ............................................................................... 5 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE .............................................................................................................. 6 Vision .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Mission................................................................................................................................................... 7 Values ................................................................................................................................................... 7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTRY ........................................................................... 8 MINISTRY PERFORMANCE .................................................................................................................. 9 MINISTRY OUTPUTS AND OUTPUT PERFORMANCE TARGETS ...................................................... 9 DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ...................................................................................... 10 DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING .................................................................. 12 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ............................................................................................................ 14 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................. 15 CORPORATE SERVICE DIVISION ....................................................................................................... 17 AUDITED
17 AUDITED AGENCY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................................................................................. 18 2 ACRONYMS CDM CITES DLG DOE DOH DTCP EIA EMA EPS FPD GHG JICA MOA MOU NBSAP NCSA NEC NFA ODS UNDP UNFCCC USP Clean Development Mechanism Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna Department of Local Government Department of Environment Department of Housing Department of Town and Country Planning Environment Impact Assessment Environment Management Act Endangered and Protected Species Act Forward Planning Division Green House Gas Japan International Cooperation Agency Memorandum of Agreement Memorandum of Understanding National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan National Capacity Self-Assessment National Environment Council National Fire Authority Ozone Depleting Substances United Nation Development Programme United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change University of the South Pacific 3 LETTER TO THE MINISTER Colonel Samuela Saumatua Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Fiji Football Association Building SUVA Dear Minister, I am pleased to present the Annual Report for the Ministry for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment for the financial years ending 31st December, 2009.
This report is produced in accordance with the public service reporting requirements in particular the Financial Management Act 2004.

Yours sincerely, Maraia Ubitau Acting Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing & Environment 4 FOREWORD BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY The Ministry 2009 working year was a challenging one.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry managed to effectively deliver Minister’s key deliverables to the Prime Minister under its agency targeted outcomes.
These are: Improved local governance, Greater human security for all human dwellers, Improving facilitation of land development approval, Improving living conditions of squatter settlement communities & low income urban families and Sustainable use, management and protection of the environment.

The five targeted outcomes are part of the Urban Policy Action Plan that was approved by Cabinet on 13th February, 2007 with its three pronged aims of economic growth, spatial equity and poverty reduction.
With these objectives in mind, and in the absence of UPAP Implementation Action Plan, the Ministry still managed to continue to implement part of the policy as reported in the Annual Report.

This includes the capacity building of local government in financial management, leadership, strategic and corporate planning, and promotion of private, public partnership on infrastructure & investment project through the Challenge Fund.
The Ministry prepared three strategic planning documents for Vuda, Navua and Lovu for the proper co-ordination of development within urban areas.

It also facilitated the 28 percent increase in subdivision of land approval consisting of 1,254.33 hectares of land for residential, commercial and agriculture, 70 percent of the approved building development for residential and commercial development to cater for increasing demand for housing, investment and employment opportunities.
Furthermore the Ministry also facilitated the completion of one squatter settlement project and six settlement upgrading project reaching 90 percent practical completion.

This is to improve the living conditions of squatter settlement communities and low income urban families.
The Department of Environment (DOE) continued with the enforcement of the Environmental Management Act, Environment Protected Species Act, carrying out environment enforcement, compliance and awareness to ensure Fiji’s sustainable environment is maintained.

DOE continued its effort in fulfilling Fiji’s obligations under regional and international conventions and treaties.
The Ministry has experienced challenges that it faced during the year and noted the areas for improvement and it looks forward to another year of hard dedicated service to deliver the corporate target.

Finally I take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their support and contribution in the year 2009 and look forward to a better concerted team work in 2010.
Mrs. Maraia Ubitau Acting Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment 5 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE Organizational Structure [4 Departments]  Department of Local Government has two (2) divisions.

[Policy Division and Compliance & Monitoring Division]  Department of Town and Country Planning have three divisions [Development Control Section, Subdivision of Land Act and Forward Planning Section].
 Department of Housing has three divisions; Policy Unit, Capital and Engineering and Government Grant Administration and Monitoring].

Department of Environment has six [6] divisions Resource Management Unit, Climate Change Unit, Ozone Depleting Substance Unit, Environmental Impact Assessment Unit, Awareness Unit and Waste Management Unit.
Figure 1.0: Ministry for Local Government Urban Development Housing and Environment Organizational Structure 6 OVERVIEW Vision Empowered and inclusive communities through innovative sustainable urban and environmental planning and management Mission To contribute to Fiji’s economic growth, improve living standards and spatial equity in an environmentally sustainable manner by invigorating leadership and service delivery in partnership with stakeholders.
Values Innovative Leadership   Accountability and Transparency Integrity and Honesty   Respect and Fairness  Human rights and Responsibility  Customer Focus  Environmental Sustainability  Teamwork and Commitment  Flexibility  Civic pride  Safety and Security 7 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTRY The Ministry is responsible for the formulation and implementation of Local Government, Urban Planning& Management, Housing and Environment policies.
The ministry is responsible for monitoring the function of Housing Authority, Public Rental Board, Housing Assistance Relief Trust, National Fire Authority of Fiji and the Municipal Councils.

The specific responsibilities include: Corporate Services Implementation of policy decisions for the overall administration of the Ministry’s budgeting, planning, financial and accounting control and managing human resources.
Local Government Monitor the performance of local government and National Fire Authority by providing advice to the Minister in terms of the Local Government Act Cap.

125 and National Fire Act (1995) and support services through the Permanent Secretary.
Department of Town & Country Planning Overall administration, planning and regulating of land use in Fiji through the Town Planning Act Cap 139 and Subdivision of Land Act Cap 140 Department of Housing Formulate and implement housing policy, carry out Squatter Settlement Upgrading Project and administer and monitor Government Grants for Public and Social Housing.
Department of Environment Formulate, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Fiji’s national environmental policies, programs to ensure sustainable environment in accordance with the Ozone Depleting Substances Act 1998, Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002, Environmental Management Act 2005 and Litter Promulgation Decree 2008.

Ministerial Responsibility The Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is responsible for the Ministry.
Executive Management Executive Management of the Ministry consists of:  Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment; and the  Deputy Secretary for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Senior Management Senior Management of the Ministry consists of Director Local Government, Director Town and Country Planning, Director Housing, Director Environment and Principal Administrative Officer Corporate Service Division.
8 MINISTRY PERFORMANCE The performance of the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment is summarized in the organization structure involving four [4] Departments and their respective outputs: Department of Local Government a.

Portfolio Leadership and Advice.

b.

Delivery an improved System of Local Government.

Department of Town and Country Planning a.

Portfolio Leadership and Advice.

b.

Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring –Urban and Rural Planning.
Department of Environment a.

Portfolio Leadership and Advice.

b.

Develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Fiji’s national and international environmental policies and programme and enforcement of environmental legislations.

Department of Housing a.

Portfolio Leadership and Advice.

b.
b.

Housing, Squatter Settlement Upgrading/ Resettlement and Management MINISTRY OUTPUTS AND OUTPUT PERFORMANCE TARGETS Table 1.0: Ministry‟s Outputs with Government Targeted Targeted Outcomes 1.0 Improved Local Governance Greater for Human human all 2.0 3.0 Security dwellers Improved Facilitating Land in approval Development 4.0 Living Improving Conditions Squatter of Settlement Communities and low income urban families 5.0 Sustainable use, management and protection of the environment.

Outputs 1.
Outputs 1.

Portfolio Leadership, Policy Advice and Secretariat Support 2.

Local Governance Administration & 1.

Reforms Implementation of Urban Policy Action Plan 1.

Compliance and Monitoring – Urban and Regional Environmental Planning 1.

Upgrading proper service settlements.

2.

Legalizing Land Ownership and secure tenures 3.

Community empowering and participation 1.

Enforcement and Awareness of the following legislations (EPS Act; EMA; ODS Act; Litter Promulgation) 2.

Environmental Awareness.

3.


Implementation National and of Source: [MLG, UD, H&E 2009] International Policies and Programmes.

9 DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT function of FUNCTIONS The main the Department is to monitor and the delivery of an ensure improved local system government for the twelve (12) municipalities through its five (5) Strategic Priority areas and the National Fire Authority .
of The 5 strategic priority areas (a) Implementation of Urban Policy Action Plan (b) Efficient and cost effective management and operation of municipal councils (c) Capacity building and good and governance local democracy (d) Forging Strategic cost to for through utilization Fund Partnerships efficient Challenge municipal development (e) Enhanced performance of the National Fire Authority 2009 ACHIEVEMENTS Implementation of part of urban policy action plan At this stage, the Department of Local Government implemented two components of this policy as follows; (a) Challenge Fund - Municipal financially Councils were their major assisted with project works whereby funding on a 50/50 basis was being given by the National Government the department.
through (b) Capacity Building for Municipal Councils - training was conducted for Special Administrators and Chief Executive Officers with the financial assistance of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the support of the Fiji Local Government Association.

This was to enhance capacities of Special Administrators and councils’ staff.

The trainings Elected included Local Financial Leadership, Management System, Strategic and Corporate Planning.
The remaining components of UPAP will be implemented from year 2010.

& 1.

EFFICIENT COST EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT & OF OPERATION MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Monthly reports, annual & financial reports This was carried out through timely submission of Council’s reports on their Monthly minutes of meetings and their Annual and Financial reports.

These reports were duly analyzed by the department identifying issues cases, concern.
of In other recommendations appropriate the were made Permanent Secretary the Minister’s endorsement.

through for to accrual Change accounting This is still in transition.

Training and capacity building continued this year to allow councils adopt the changes from cash accounting to accrual accounting.

As at the end of 2009, only Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka municipalities have accrual accounting system.

changed to Public private partnership Coucils pursued Private Public Partnership.
opportunity organizations Improved ethical & conduct of elected representative All Councils have adopted the Code of Conduct.

conduct offer an Codes of for invaluable responsible to create a positive public identity for themselves which can lead to a more supportive political and regulatory environment and an increased public level confidence and trust among important constituencies and stakeholders.

of 2.
of 2.

CAPACITY BUILDING & GOOD GOVERNANCE Local Government Forum The Department through major funding from the Commonwealth 10 Forum Government Local together with the support of the Fiji Local Government Association carried out workshops and training for Municipal Council.

This is with the view of improving capacities of and enhancing Special and councils’ staff.

The trainings were mainly in the areas of Leadership, Financial Management System, Strategic Corporate and Planning.
Administrators Fiji Local Government Association Annual Convention Apart from training, an Annual Convention organized by the Fiji Local Government Association was held to 5th December, 2009 at the West Motor Inn in Nadi.

from 3rd issues The program was tailor-made for the Special Administrators and the Chief Executive Officers and on Natural included Disasters & Flooding, Urban Planning and Urban issues, Building and Land Subdivision, Gender, Urban Profiling, Accrual Accounting Municipal and Markets.
Special Administrators and CEO Workshop The Special Administrators (SA) and Chief Executive Officers workshop that was organized by the Ministry was held at the Suva City Council Chamber from 25th to 27th November 2009.

It was an avenue whereby Special Administrators were advised of their Roles, duties and obligations, the SA’s Terms of Reference and their relationships with their Chief Executive Officers and staff of Municipal Councils.
The Forum also discussed the impact of the National Strategic Framework for Change on Local the Government implementation the recommendations of the Local Government Review/Reform.

and of Management Financial Training Financial Management Training Workshop was held from 22/7/09 – 30/7/09.
The Department of Local Government with the support of the CLGF Pacific Project jointly coordinated the implementation of this training in 2009. basic The training comprised five (5) phases or modules addressing and advanced both concepts financial of management including financial policy making, managing the operating budget and capital investment plan, accounting, procurement, asset management, performance management and citizen participation.
The CLGF Pacific Project assisted the Department Local of Government in appointing an Australian (VIDA) Volunteer.

The purpose of the placement is to assist the Department of Local Government in the facilitating the updating of strategic plans of the twelve municipal councils.

Municipal council‟s 5 Year Strategic Plan All 12 councils have submitted their 5 Year Strategic Plan.

FUND Challenge FORGING STRATEGIC THROUGH EFFICIENT OF FOR 3.
PARTNERSHIP COST UTILISATION CHALLENGE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT A matching fund facility namely the Fund was established for local councils to draw on specific capital works, financed with government on local shared basis with councils.

Preference was given for investments squatter settlement upgrading and peri urban infrastructure provision.

An approved budget of $600,000 was allocated to the Fund.

for for The fund assisted six councils in their projects as tabulated below.
Table 2.0: Challenge Fund Projects for 2009 N U O M A T ) $ ( C E J O R P T I C N U O C L Tavua Town Council , – Circular Nasivi 8 9 2 7 2 Infrastructure Upgrading Market Road, Street.

Upgrading 0 0 0 5 of Housing Roads – at Naqere, Savusavu.

Road – Upgrading Street, Naimawi Street, Nakula Qauia Street, Bulou Road, Baka Drive and Yasi Road of Upgrading – Footpaths Road Nasekula and other connecting areas & Main Street Labasa.
, Savusa vu Town Council 3 Lami Town Council 0 0 0 0 4 , Labasa Town Council 0 0 0 5 3 , Levuka Town Council Nausori Town Council Road 0 0 0 5 2 Upgrading Church Street , – 0 9 9 4 2 , of – Upgrade Roads Rambissessar Road, Industrial Subdivision Lal Singh Road.
Manoca and TOTAL $187,288 Figure 2.0: Renovation of Church Street under the Challenge Fund 11 Figure 3.0: A total of $35,000 was allocated from the Challenge Fund for the upgrading of footpath along Nasekula road in Labasa fund also supported the The necessary institutional stregthening of councils through the establishment of Special Administrators as per Cabinet Decision.

4.
4.

ENHANCED PERFOMANCE OF THE NATIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY Figure National 4.0: Headquarters in Walu Bay Fire Authority The Department played a key role to National Fire Authority’s (NFA) performance by providing effective through guidance regular attendance to all NFA Sub-Committee Board Meetings, Timely disbursement of NFA’s quarterly grants and vetting of its related acquittals were duly carried out.
and Furthermore, effective guidance was provided to NFA relating to its Strategic Plan aspect of its Road Map on Fire Mitigation in Fiji.

DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING Subdivision of Land Act and Town Planning Act General Order (1971) with the exception of the cities of Suva and Lautoka who operate under their own Subdivision of Land regulates By-Laws.
land through determining subdivision subdivision of land applications, engineering plans, clears survey plans for approval and provides advice to land developers & consultants on land subdivision matters DTCP Major Achievements A total of 327 subdivisions of land applications were received in 2009 as compared to 353 in 2008, of which 278 applications were approved to facilitate for development.

Majority of subdivision proposed were tourism and agricultural purpose.
Table 3 shows the breakdown of subdivision of land by uses and by each division.

creation lots for of residential Agriculture, and commercial land uses received the highest number of applications in terms of various types of land uses for both 2009 and 2008.

This depicts the increase housing agricultural and commercial land on the urban periphery for convenience and economy in the central and western division.
demand for Table4.0: Subdivision of Land Applications USES CENTRAL WESTERN NORTHERN EASTERN TOTAL Residential Commercial 248 23 Industrial Civic- Community Special (Hotel Others) Open Space Use & Agriculture Subsistence/Agr iculture Road TOTAL Source: DTCP [2009] There were 33 major subdivisions of which 67% were for tourism purposes followed by 34% on residential.
The for land area proposed total subdivision in 2009 is 1210.40hectares and distribution per tenure is shown in the chart below where 70% of total land proposed is native, 22% is freehold and 8% being state land.

Figure 7.0: Subdivision of Land Applications Received - 2009 (DTCP) Planning for FUNCTIONS The Department of Town and Country is overall responsible administration, and regulating of land use in Fiji through the Town Planning Act Cap.

139 and Subdivision of Land Act Cap.

140.


The key functions of DTCP are: the planning Scheme Amendments and Rural Rezoning A total of 186 rezoning applications were received in 2009 compared to 142 in 2008.

This is an increase of 30%.

The range of zonings proposed 37 sees commercial, 25 civic community development, use, 24 Industrial and 12 others.
residential, special for 83  Approve planning schemes and the amendments Table 3.0: Rezoning Approvals requirements  Determine and decide conditional relaxation on developments and development in approved town planning scheme areas.
 Determine development applications in Town Planning Areas which do not have Town Planning Schemes approved  Determine and decide applications on subdivision of land  Prepare or Revise town planning schemes at the request of the local authorities  Offer physical planning advice to the overall decision making process of government and private sector.
schemes, FORWARD PLANNING The Forward Planning Division prepare, revise and amend town planning local advisory plans of potential growth areas, determine rezoning proposals from rural town planning areas, consider foreshore development proposals and appropriate recommendations, provide planning advice to town councils, rural local authorities, government authorities and statutory bodies, stakeholders, private the public and internally to both Subdivision and Development Control Sections.
sector, make Major Achievements Strategic Planning Projects The Forward Planning Division [FPD] prepared the Vuda Regional Plan, Navua Centre Plan, Naqara– Waiyevo and Lovu Local Areas Advisory Plan, of which two (2) were completed i.e.

Navua and Lovu, which is shown in the fugure below.

Figure 5.0: Lovu Flat Advisory Plan With the exception of special use (others), uses such as substation or service station, demand for changes in zoning increased in 2009 as shown in the bar graph above.
Major Rezoning There were 24 major rezoning applciations in 2009 compared to 30 However, despite this in 2008. decrease a total of 50 were approved, 26 of which were pending from between the period of 2008- 2009.

The breakdown of major rezoning is illustrated in the charts below.
Figure 6.0: Major Rezoning The country experienced this growth, reflecting investor confidence and more investment and employment creation at national, regional and local level Foreshore Applications The Director of Lands referred a total of 19 foreshore applications to DTCP in 2009 as for policy advice foreshore compared to applications in 2008.

Tourism or tourism related activities remained the dominant land use followed by industrial proposals.
32 SUBDIVISION OF LAND All land subdivision proposals are determined by the DTCP through the 12 RESIDENTIAL5%COMMERCIAL21%INDUSTRIAL15%CIVIC-COMMUNITY5%SPECIAL USE (TOURISM)43%SPECIAL USE(OTHER)11%RESIDENTIALCOMMERCIALINDUSTRIALCIVIC-COMMUNITYSPECIAL USE(TOURISM)SPECIALUSE(OTHER)70%8%22%SUBDIVISION OF LAND APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PER TENURE -2009NATIVECROWNFREEHOLD Survey Plans Clearance of survey plans indiactes land being released for development and the type of uses intended.
A total of survey plans were received, 197 cleared and 57 deferred.

183 Engineering Plans There were no engineering plans received, however 4 from 2008 were approved to allow civil-construction works to proceed.

The majority of these engineering plans were notably for residential subdivision.
tourism and constituted DEVELOPMENT CONTROL The regulatory and development control role sees DTCP processing application for developments (land, on-site building, activities and operations) town in planning areas without approved planning schemes, from rural local athorities in Fiji and from municipal councils seeking relaxation from the provisions of an approved scheme or those suspended from the operative scheme Director’s for determination.

the detail breakdown is shown in Table 5.


Table 6.0: Decisions on Building Development Applications Received & Considered in 2009 ACTIVITY Central Western Northern Eastern Total Consented to subject to condition Refused Deferred Source: DTCP [2009] 374 25 166 188 26 97 54 3 22 8 0 7 624 54 292 The number of building applications deferred and refused has been reduced from 542 in 2008 to 346 in 2009 because of intensive training and awareness programme for rural local authorities and the general public.
Major Developments The Development Control Division received a total of 58 major building applications with an approximate development value of $43.6 million in 2009.

This is a decrease of 17 major applications with total development value $111.4 million when compared to 2008 statistics.

Of all the major developments, residential development dominates 50% of the which majority were Western in Lautoka –Nadi corridor.
from region, particularly of access implemented seeing all officers equipped with a computer by mid-year, govnet account and GIS application training enabling technical staff to efficiently produce maps and plans professionally.
to DTCP Development Application Status Tracking System and DTCP Website are currently in progress for and adoption and trial-use by the end of first quarter of 2010. should be finalized & ADVOCACY AWARENESS, TRAINING The Department of Town and Country Planning Training and Awareness Programs was two-fold with the notion for capacity building and networking to improve the department’s service delivery as it is to public continually subjected scrutiny.
the The purpose awareness programs is to increase greater understanding on town planning in Fiji with respect to themes at conferences and seminar requiring department’s contribution.

the of building All municipal councils in Fiji have an approved town planning scheme to consider development except Nasinu Town Council and the extended area of Nausori Town, which Interim Development Control and including Nadi Airport area that is under Central Board of Health.
under are Building Applications A total of 1,055 applications were received in 2009 compared to 1230 in 2008 reflecting a slight decline.

A breakdown of building applications in 2009 is summarized in table 4 below: Table 5.0 Building Development Applications Use Per Division PURPOSE Central Western Northern Residential Commercial Industrial Civic- Community Special Use (Other) Civic-Taxi Base Signboard Dairy Shop Hotel/Tourist Dev.
Other TOTAL Source: DTCP [2009] Eastern 6 0 0 Total 645 30 4 2 1 1 0 0 5 3 18 2 35 121 9 14 23 52 1055 in In terms of division, 56% are Central Division, 34% in Western Division, 8% are in Northern Division and 2% in Eastern Division.

On the same token, 624 were approved, 54 refused and 292 were deferred.
The Table 7.0 Major Developments received and considered in 2009 Use/Division Central Western Northern Eastern Total RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL CIVIC TOURISM OTHERS TOTAL RECEIVED Source: DTCP [2009] At the pre-employment-entry level, participation was to advocate demand in the interest in the field of planning given the very low level of professional planners in the country.
Table 9.0Training engagements in 2009 & GIS MapInfo Application Processing & Assessment skills and specific topics on internal operations PSC Service Civil Procedures, Regulation and Decrees Delegation of Powers of the Director on Minor Relaxation and Conditional Development the and Act-EIA DTCP Environment Management Process Development Application Submission Policy Stakeholder/Referral Agency on Process and Timelines Town Planning Approval Process in Community- based Tourism Island Strategic Planning of [PM Kioa Initiative] – Phase I.
Urban Planning & Urban Issues and FIJI Rapid Urban Profiling Career Expo Employer Seminar GIS Application in DTCP and Career- - N I E S U O H P C T D , Source: DTCP [2009] Source: DTCP [2009] Every Monday afternoon from January-April Every Friday afternoon from February-August 5 2-day workshop with all municipal councils (under Special same Administrator) having Approved Town Planning Scheme from June-July Contributor/Speaker DOE’s workshop in July to Professionals consultants in November and stakeholder/referral All agency in November Tikina of Beqa Meeting in April Northern Tourism Conference in Savusavu - September Kioa Island - September FLGA December Convention in University of the South Pacific August in September at Contributor/Speaker GIS User Conference, USP in December revenue received by TOWN PLANNING FEES the The department is derived from fees charged under the Town Planning Act Cap 139 and the Subdivision of Land Act Cap 140.
Department of Planning Town collected a total fee of $130,195.23 and summary shown in Table 7.

Country and Table 8.0: Total Fees Collected in 2009 Activity Forward Planning Subdivision of Land Development Control TOTAL Source: DTCP [2009] Revenue $ 24, 624.

52 $ 66, 736.00 $ 38, 834.71 $ 130, 195.

23 INFORMATION SYSTEM DTCP does not have a designated GIeographical Information System (GIS) it has facility, however designed and piloted an internal registry database.
The first phase of the 3-year GIS was (2009-2011) Plan 13 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Project location 4.0 Omkar (Narere) Provision of water, sewer, electricit y and roads 5.0 Lakena Hill 2 (Nausori) Provision of water, electricit y and roads 5.0 Lagilagi (Jittu Estate ) Housing Project FUNCTION The responsibility of Department of Housing is to formulate and implement housing policy, carry out Settlement Upgrading Project and administer and monitor Government Grants for Public and Social Housing.
Squatter The key functions of DOH are: (a) Preparation and implementation of the National Housing Policy; timely provision of the Government’s Grant designated its implementing Agencies; and (b) Facilitate the for to (c) Management Squatter Settlement Upgrading programs.
of [6] MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Management of Squatter Settlement Upgrading Projects [2009] The Department of Housing carried out squatter six settlement upgrading projects (Ba), Vatoa namely; Badrau (Narere), Bangladesh (Nasinu), Omkar (Narere), Lakena Hill 2 (Nausori) and Lagilagi (Jittu Estate) Housing Project as shown in Table 9.
Table 10.0: Squatter Settlement Upgrading Project 2009 ) $ ( .

o N 77 ) .
s r y ( n o i t a r u D 4 , 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 , 1 140 3 100 0 0 0 0 0 , 1 , 0 0 0 0 0 4 , 1 Project Status/Comm ent to in Consultant the delay in completion of the Engineering documentation for submission to TCP Project construction forecasted commence 2010 (Construction completed) Consultant delay in feedback to the on Ministry progress of requisitions/ame ndments to Final LT survey documentation for resubmission to Lands Department for Final approvals One conditional development lease PCN Scheme Plan for the project was conditionally approved SCC Development of plan floor layouts for different options for various buildings was carried out – plans taken to PCN the members for comment Plans to been finalized to enable finalization of the master plan Management plan completed project developed issued to to be for by Project location 1.0 adrau (Ba) Provision of water, sewer, electricit y and roads 2.0 Vatoa (Narere) Provision of a sanitary sewerage reticulati on system 3.0 Banglad esh (Nasinu ) Provision of water, electricit y and roads ) $ ( t s o C e t a m i x o r p p A ) .
s r y ( .
o N 75 2 105 1 60 0 0 0 0 0 3 , 0 0 0 0 0 9 , 0 0 0 5 1 , Project Status/Comm ent Project was 80% by completed the of end December and be is to completed in the first quarter 2010 only Sewer reticulation by completed contractor and by approved WSD the in third quarter – currently under defects liability/mainten ance period Essential Roadwork commenced soon after and projected to be in completed first quarter 2010 PWD commenced repair works on the sewer pump station in December despite requests repaired WSD sewer pump and station to enable it to be operational to meet requirement of Town Nausori to Council enable to release subdivision clearance/compl etion correspondence to Lands Department earlier it Source: Department of Housing [2009] [6] Socioeconomic Surveys The Department of Housing carried out squatter six settlement socio economic surveys.
Through this survey, 3 settlements were identified to be relocated: Veidogo settlement, Nanuku Settlement and Kilikali in Nasinu.

Another settlements were identified to be upgraded and these were Navakai settlement in Nadi, Vatoa settlement in Nasinu and Badrau (Nasinu).
(Vatuwaqa), settlement 3 Figure 8.0 Nanuku Settlement recommended for relocation from the Socio Economic Survey conducted According to the Report, 80% of the settler / populations located within peri- informal squatter Public Rental Board HART TOTAL 14 urban areas or city and town boundaries have access to basic utilities of either piped water and / or electricity and also with septic tank systems.Since there are no garbage services, collection household waste are mostly burned, piled away from the settlement or on the rare occasion, buried.
Most of dwelling structures are made of corrugated iron and timber or whole wooden buildings.

Table 11.0: Socio Economic Surveys of Squatter Settlement Remarks .
o N e r u n e T d n a L Oct Nov 331 Freeh old 107 Freeh old Novem ber October ) a q a w u t a V ( n o i s i v i D l a r t n e C l a r t n e C Decem ber 45 Crow n Weste rn August 105 Centr al July 12 Cro wn Ce ntr al Squatters to be relocated Squatters to be relocated Settlement currently been developed.

on Squatters reside their respective lots.

Sewer reticulation completed.

Road sealing pending.

Squatters have been relocated to Sasawira State land.
May - June 160 Sta te We ste rn for Option Squatter Upgrading Developme nt.
u k u n a N o g o d i e V ) a B ( u a r d a B ) u n i s a N ( a o t a V 0 u n i s a N ( i l a k i l i K ) i d a N ( i a k a v a N Total 760 Source: Department of Housing [2009] Administration of grants: A total of $2million housing grant was budgeted for Public and Social Housing where $1m was allocated to Public Rental Board to assist in the rental subsidy for PRB customers and $1m was allocated to Housing Assistance Relief Trust for renovations and for of maintenance destitute families.
Further details provided below: Table 12.0 Government Grant to Housing Providers houses Housing Providers Budget Allocated Budget Utilized Number of People Assisted 1,364 $1m $750,000 $1m $2m $ 750 2,114 is to and monitor The Department of Environment formulate, responsibile coordinate the implementation of Fiji’s national environmental policies, programs and legislations to ensure sustainable environment in accordance with the Ozone Depletion Substances Act 1998, Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002, Environmental Management Act 2005 and Litter Promulgation 2008.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT ACT Policy The National Environment Council (NEC) is established under the Act to the provide policy direction department and one meeting was facilitated for the council in the year.

to formulation commenced The Natural Resource Inventory in (NRI) 2009 through consultancy services Coastal and Management was established to review the Mangrove Management Plan.
Committee Integrated the The Environment Tribunal as per the Environment Management Act 2005, is established to hear and determine any appeal referred to it under the Act.

The rules and procedures of the were Environment developed this establishment.
Tribunal initiate to Waste Management and Pollution Control Majority of the applications were facilitated for Waste Disposal Permit and Waste Recycling Permit under the following categories: Solid Waste, Liquid Waste, Livestock, Air Pollution and Hazardous Waste Endorsement, Batteries Handling, Waste Transport and Waste Recycling.

No.
No.

of Permits Permit Table 13.0: Was Permits Issued Waste Category Waste Permit Waste Permit Source: DOE (2009) Recycling Disposal 46 24 from oil Complaints Received DOE responded to 28 complaints ranging sewerage spill, improper disposal of overflow, household waste by companies, noise/dust pollution, open-burning, pig waste nuisance and illegal dumping by industries in residential areas.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT The department identified 6 priority wetland sites to be considered for the RAMSAR nomination under of Convention International Importance.

on Wetlands AWARENESS Environment Week Celebration focused on This year campaign addressing Climate Change as one of the emerging issues of environmental concern.

In Ba Environment Week was celebrated with the theme: „Your Planet Needs You!

Unite to Combat Climate Change‟.


While in Nausori the campaign was celebrated with the theme „Climate Change is Real, Act Now to save our Island Home.‟ ENFORCEMENT OF THE OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ACT 1998 Policy Codes of Practice for Methyl Bromide, Phosphine and Hydrogen Cyanide was endorsed in October, 2009, with the review of ODS Regulations 2000.
ODS Permits Table 14.0: ODS Permits Issued Activities Licenses/Permits Licensing and Permit System License New application Renewal of License New Permit to store application Renewal of permit to store Permit to import Inspections Facility Spot Vehicle Vessel Source: DOE (2009) Total No.
issued 60 245 22 140 25 185 12 (5 successful) 281 5 commissioned ENFORCEMENT OF THE ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED SPECIES ACT 2002 Policy DOE ‘Green Iguana Survey’ Report to the Fiji CITES Management Authority in its effort to address the presence of these invasive species in Fiji.

Registration 72 companies registered to trade under the EPS Act.
the CITES Permits Figure 9.0: CITES Permit Issued in 2009 Tabua Export Tabua Import Tabua Confiscated Non –CITES (shipment of native species) Source: DOE (2009) Conservation Biodiversity Initiatives The NBSAP steering committee was established to prepare the NBSAP Implementation and Monitoring for 2010-2014 and Framework Action Plan for 2010.
The deparmtent managed the Global Environment Fund project on (POWPA) and Protected Areas further accessed funding to build Fiji’s Clearing House Mechanism for biodiversity.

15 Figure 10.0: Environment Week Exhibition in Ba.

The Ozone Week campaign (14th – 18th Sep, 2009) was celebrated at theme: Nausori with “Understanding Ozone Depletion and Climate Change: An investment for our Future”.
the In partnership with other relevant stakeholders, Department the participated at various campaigns including the International Customs Day, World Wetland Day, Civil Service Excellence Week, Ozone Day, USP Open Day, World Maritime Day, Arbor Day and Earth Hour.

Resource Centre The information Centre stores more than 20,000 records of environment reports and provides services to the public during office hours as indicated below.
Table 15.0: Services Provided by the Resource Centre Medium Used Written Requests Library Users Electronic mail Verbal requests Source: DOE (2009) Number 6 25 10 15 TRAINING Training of Enforcement Officers government CITES training was undertaken for officers, enforcement Border Quarantine officers, Customs Officers, and enforcement officers.

Furthermore, a Fiji CITES Enforcement Manual was developed to assist enforcement officers in their role as authorized officers under the EPS Act.
Specialised training were conducted for the effective implementation of the ODS Act and EMA as per table below.

Table 16.0 Officers trained under specialised training Programme No.

of Officers Trained 88 technicians Good Refrigerators Training programme Estasblisment of Environment Management Units 160 Environment Inspectors along with Police Officers were trained in the field of Crital Risk Management.
Table 17.0 Officers trained under Critical Risk Management Programme ODS EMA (Env Inspectors) EMA (Police Officers) Source: DOE (2009) No.
of Officers Trained 19 10 85 HIGHLIGHTS Initiative on combating Climate Change As per the country’s obligation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Second National Communication was developed and the Carbon Trading Team was establihed for the formulation of Clean Development Mechanism Policy Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the flexibility mechanisms defined in the Kyoto Protocol (IPCC, 2007) that provides for emissions reduction projects Guideline.
Technical The The CDM is defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, and is intended to meet two objectives: (1) to assist developed countries that are parties to the agreement in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is to prevent dangerous climate change; and (2) to assist developed country or one with an 'economy in transition'(parties to the agreement) in achieving compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments (greenhouse gas (GHG) emission caps).
Improving coordination with stakeholder agencies A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the Department of Environment and the Fiji Police Force on 20th July, 2009 for a more effective and efficient enforcement of the EMA and its regulations namely: [Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulations 2007 and the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007].
Reports compiled under the GEF funded National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) project including Inception, Stocktake, reports on Thematic Assessment, Crosscutting and NSAP were completed and the newly made available on launched website NCSA (www.ncsafiji.com).
Local Rural division 14th – Non- Compliance Campaign A non- compliance campaign for the facilities was central 16th the conducted on October, 2009 in the Suva City and Suva Authority Boundary and on the 8th – 11th December, 2009 in the Navua Rural Local Authority, Vunidawa, Lami Town Council, Nasinu Town Council, Nausori Town Council and Korovou Rural Local Authority areas whereby a total of 1862 Non-compliance notices was issued.
campaign is exclusively This dedicated to: a) Helping the commercial and industrial facilities become aware of the Environment Management Act 2005. requirements of the full b) Ensuring that these commercial and industrial facilities understand the the spectrum requirements the permit system under the Waste Disposal and Recycling Regulations 2007. of that govern Figure 11.0: Team De-brief session during the Non Compliance Campaign.
Naboro Landfill 16 The construction of naboro landfil Stage 1 phases 1b(i) and 1b(ii) started in May 2009.

The total value of the Phase 1b construction contract was $1.6 million and the outcome was the opening up of 160,000 cubic meters of space for placing wastes.

The Space is expected to last anywhere between two to three years.
Operations An independent review of Naboro was Landfill commissioned by the Department of Environment and conducted by an Independent Committee led by Mr. Peni Gavidi purposely to review the entire status and future options for the Naboro Landfill project.

The Naboro Landfill Health audit was undertaken Corerega by Environmental Consultants aimed to review the Health nuisance arising from operations of the landfill.
Implementation of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Project Japan In collaboration with the International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a waste minimisation project commonly known as 3R was piloted in Nadi and Lautoka.

The main to objective of encourage recycling of waste through sorting of individual rubbish by household.

The ultimate goal of the project change people’s mentality towards rubbish.
the project to is is Review of Litter Promulgation 2008 The Litter Promulgation 2008 was reviewed immediate to establish apprehension and penalizing of litterers.

The main purpose of the Litter Promulgation is to discourage in citizens from throwing rubbish public places through applying fines to offenders.

Figure 12.0: Director Environment, Mr. Epeli Nasome during the Consultation Workshop for the Review of the Litter Promulgation 2008.
Establishment of a Beverage Recycling System for Fiji An agreement was established between government through the for the department and UNDP implementation of a Container Deposit Legislation Project in 2010.

FINANCE SECTION The Ministry’s Finance Section responsible for: is the preparation of budget, i. ii.

payment of salaries and wage, payments of accounts and claims, ensure internal & external are conducted, audits iii.

maintenance of the Ministry’s iv.


statements ledger accounts, financial and reports, ensure that accurate are financial maintained at all times, v. ensure cash flow statements are produced on monthly basis, allocation of approved funds to vote controllers, records vi.

monitor and control in compliance expenditures financial with approved regulations and instructions; and preparation of timely Annual budget and Capital projects.
Finance the New MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Section The Ministry’s Financial produced Management Information System (FMIS) and trained accounting staff trained timely use production of financial reports on monthly, quarterly and annual budget and capital projects to Ministry of Finance.

FMIS, to CORPORATE SERVICE DIVISION FUNCTION The Ministry for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Corporate Services Division is responsible for human resource management and financial support services.
Human Resource Division processing is The Human Resource Division of responsible for leave leave and appointments, submit allowance, manage and disciplinary PSC, to cases management of registry, in service training, executive support and control of media and communication services.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS the Corporate Service In 2009, Division concentrated on serving the public, keeping proper management of financial asset and human resource.

It also ensured that all needs of professional staff were met.
The Division facilitated professional staff in organizing of meetings, delivering of mails, providing logistic administrative support arrangement such as booking of venue, vehicles and other travel arrangements.

and The division ensured that accurate information and advice was given to the Permanent Secretary.

All the Temporary and Acting appointments were seeking approval from PSC.
extended after The Account Section consistently met its deadline and targeted output for the year in contributing towards the Ministry achievement.

Proper accountability was ensured as reflected in the Auditor Financial Statement for 2009.
For transparency and accountability, the Division assesses the number of audit queries and disciplinary cases, processing timelines and financial reporting; and OHS & General Workforce complaints Staff Establishment The Ministry’s staff establishment as at 31st December 2009 is shown in below: Table Table 13.0: Ministry Staff Establishment No of Posts Filled DEPT Approved 2009 Provision d e h s i l b a t s E 13 4 29 10 16 2 11 d e h s i l b a t s e n U 4 1 2 1 1 - - d e h s i l b a t s E 3 1 6 4 1 - - d e h s i l b a t s e n U 1 - - - - - - CSD DLG DTCP DOH DOE DLG Project DOE Project Source: MLG, UD, H&E 2013 ASSET MANAGEMENT The Ministry occupies three floors of the Fiji Football Association House situated at 4 Gladstone Road, Suva and one Floor at 90 PD Patel Building, Raojibhai Patel Street, Suva as follows:  First Floor – Department of Town & Country Planning  Second Floor – Deputy Secretary’s office, Department of Housing, Administration and Accounts Section  Third Floor – Minister’s Office, Permanent Secretary’s Office and Department of Local Government  Level 1, Raojibhai Patel Building – Department of Environment Vehicle The Ministry has a total of ten [10] vehicles and breakdown is shown in Table 14.
Table 14.0: Ministry Vehicle Distribution VEHICLE MINISTRY DTCP DOH DOE Pajero/C RV Honda Sonata Toyota Corolla Daihatsu Hyundai Twin Cab - 1 1 - - - Source: M LG, UD, H&E 2013 2 - - - - - - - - 1 1 - 2 - 1 - - 1 Training / Workshops The following number of trained in each Department:- staffs was Table 15.0: Ministry‟s Training/Workshop Training CSD DLG DOH DTCP DOE Overseas Local Workshop (Local) 3 1 - - 1 3 - 1 6 2 2 2 25 3 5 Source: MLG, UD, H&E 2013 17 AUDITED AGENCY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26 27 28 29