VATUNIBALE, Labasa (23rd May 2025): A significant chapter in the development of transport services in Vanua Levu unfolded today with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) new regional office in Vatunibale, Labasa by The Honourable Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Hon. Tuisawau said the event marked more than just the launch of a construction project – it signified Government’s continued commitment to decentralised, people-centric services, infrastructure development, and improved access to transport services for the people of Vanua Levu.
“The new LTA Labasa Fully-Fledged Office will not only expand service delivery capacity but also become a vital transport hub for the Northern Division,” Hon. Tuisawau said.
The Labasa Construction Project has been in the pipeline for several years. With a total investment of approximately $7.2 million, the project is set to commence construction on 3rd June 2025 and is scheduled for completion by 21st August 2026.
“Following a rigorous tender process advertised in July 2024 and closed in August 2024, Pacific Building Solutions has been awarded the contract as the construction vendor, with Design Hut appointed as the lead consultant and project manager,” Hon. Tuisawau announced.
The new, fully-fledged LTA Vatunibale Office will house 40 staff and provide a comprehensive range of services. These include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and inspection services, along with a weighbridge facility that will enhance transport logistics and support roadworthiness and road safety measures for the region.
“At present, the LTA processes an average of 18,228 transactions monthly across the Northern Division, with 5,456 of those conducted in Vatunibale alone,” the Hon. Minister said.
“This new development will not only help meet current demand but also cater to anticipated growth in population, vehicle ownership, and commercial activity in the North.”
As of 20th May 2025, the Northern Division has 16,968 registered vehicles—10.8 per cent of Fiji’s total of 156,747 registered vehicles. These figures, the Minister said, highlight the critical need for a stronger LTA presence in the region.
“Once completed, this new office will significantly improve the Authority’s capacity to serve the people of Vanua Levu. It will provide a robust and responsive presence in the North, helping us better meet the transport needs of our communities,” he said.
The groundbreaking also reflects the Government’s broader vision of promoting equal access to government services throughout the country, including rural and maritime communities outside of Viti Levu.
“This project reflects our national agenda to promote inclusive development by strengthening public institutions across Fiji. Every Fijian, no matter where they live, deserves access to quality government services,” the Minister added.
“To the people of Vanua Levu – this new office belongs to you. It is being built with your needs in mind and your future in focus,” he said.
The Caumatalevu, Turaga na Tui Macuata, Taukei Bolatagane, and former President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, LTA Board of Directors, government officials and key stakeholders were also present at the groundbreaking ceremony.
LTA Board Chairman Inosi Kuridrani said the event marked a significant step forward—not only for the Authority but also for the people and communities they served across Vanua Levu.
“The groundbreaking ceremony signals the start of a new chapter—one shaped by our shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient public institutions that truly reflect the needs of all Fijians. This development is more than bricks and mortar; it represents a deepened presence in the North, a promise of improved services, and a stride toward greater equity in access to government infrastructure,” Mr Kuridrani said.
