Review of the iTaukei Administration
Cabinet endorsed the iTaukei Administration Review Report recommendations. The review was undertaken from April to July 2024.
The review recommendations highlight the need for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the economic and social well-being of the iTaukei people and the review itself served as a critical step toward fostering sustainable development and resilience of the iTaukei.
The iTaukei Administration consists of the Great Council of Chiefs , iTaukei Affairs Board , Provincial Council, Tikina Council and Village Council.
The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts is their link to the Government.
2. Fiji’s Initial Biennial Update Report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s Initial Biennial Update Report (BUR) for submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The BUR has a specific focus on mitigation and is envisioned to be used as a bridging report to keep an up-to-date record for Fiji’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Fiji’s BUR was prepared under a United Nations Environment Programme multi-country project with funding from the Global Environment Fund.
3. Implementation Status Report on Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050
Cabinet was briefed on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 (NDP). The Government has made a strong commitment towards the implementation of the NDP.
The implementation of the NDP commenced from 1 January 2025.
Ministries, Statutory Bodies, Independent Bodies and Constitutional Bodies are required to develop their respective NDP IBs no later than 21 March 2025. The NDP IBs will assist in identification of programmes, activities and project proposals for 2025-2026 Budget submission for implementation of the NDP.
4. National Housing Policy 2025-2030
Cabinet endorsed the National Housing Policy 2025-2030.
The policy has been developed following a review of the 2011 policy. It provides a comprehensive framework to address the housing challenges in Fiji.
The policy aims to address multifaceted challenges in the housing sector including:
• affordability;
• land availability;
• land access;
• building material availability; and
• tax incentives.
Implementation of the policy will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing.
5. Extension of Agreement of Cooperation with UN-Habitat
Cabinet agreed that the Agreement of Cooperation (AOC) with the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) for “Increasing the Resilience of Informal Urban Settlements in Fiji that are Highly Vulnerable to Climate Change and Disaster Risks Project” be extended.
The partnership with UN-Habitat is to address the growing frequency and severity of extreme events such as cyclones, flooding, droughts, and long-term sea level rise that have a detrimental impact on 16 informal settlements, in four municipalities.
Under the AOC, grant agreements are in place with the Lautoka, Nadi, Sigatoka, and Lami municipal councils enabling the establishment of an Urban Planner/Resilience Office within these councils to implement necessary climate change mitigation measures.
6. International Solar Alliance Solar Projects for Fiji
Cabinet endorsed a grant funding agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the implementation of solar projects under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Climate Initiative for healthcare facilities and solar cold storage.
The QUAD is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the United States to support regional partners, in particular countries in the Pacific with energy transition and tackling challenges posed by climate change and other externalities.
ISA will provide technical support for the implementation of solar rooftop project in healthcare facilities and solar cold storage.
Potential project sites have been identified by the Department of Energy, and the Ministries of Health and Medical Services, Fisheries, and Agriculture and Waterways.
7. Legislative Review of Key Maritime Legislation
Cabinet endorsed the review of the following Maritime legislation:
(a) Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Act 2009;
(b) Maritime Transport Act 2013 and its subsidiary legislation; and
(c) Ships Registration Act 2013 and its subsidiary legislation.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Act 2009 establishes the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (Authority) which is mandated to implement the provisions of the Maritime Transport Act 2013 and Ships Registrations Act 2013.
The review is to allow the strengthening of the functions of MSAF.