Sigatoka, Fiji – February 21, 2025 – Today, an important milestone was achieved with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Natadola-Kabisi Fire Station, which will significantly enhance emergency response services for the Nadi and Sigatoka corridor. Officiated by the Honourable Minister for Local Government and Housing, Mr. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, this new facility will play a vital role in improving response times and emergency services for local communities in the region.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority (NFA), Mr. Puamau Sowane, highlighted the critical need for this station, particularly given the high number of road accidents along the Nadi-Sigatoka corridor. He emphasized that the new fire station would greatly improve the NFA’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in the area.

The event was marked by a beautiful traditional blessing from Talatala Qase Nareba, with the blessings of the Turaga na Kalevu, na Tui Nadroga, in the presence of key local leaders, including the Tui Nalolo, Vanua o Nalolo, Taukei Nawaqaliqali, Turaga ni Mataqali o Natogo, and Yavusa o Noimarou, Mataqali o Natogo.

Honourable Minister Nalumisa, in his speech, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to providing essential services to all Fijian communities. He thanked the Yavusa o Noimarou, na Vale Levul i Naiqaliqali, and the Mataqali o Natogo for their generous support in availing the land for this crucial project.

 This new fire station will provide critical support to the growing tourism industry and surrounding communities, offering firefighting and road accident rescue services. It will directly benefit five hotels and resorts, eight schools, six villages, and a population of over 15,000 residents. 

The People's Coalition Government allocated $1 million in the 2024/2025 National Budget for the first phase of the project, which includes civil and fencing works. The project is expected to cost over $2.8 million, with full completion anticipated soon. 

This initiative is part of NFA's broader efforts to strengthen fire and emergency services across the nation.

In the past six years, the NFA has responded to over 200 structural fires, road accidents, and ambulance evacuations in the Sigatoka-Nadi corridor, underscoring the urgent need for the new fire station to reduce response times and improve emergency service delivery.

The new facility, which will serve as a modern, culturally integrated fire station, is expected to set a new standard for fire services in the area. Located near internationally recognized hotels and a world-class golf course, it will meet both fire safety needs and the growing demand for community services. 

The NFA continues to expand its services, with projects underway in other key locations, including the Taveuni barracks and the proposed Matei Fire Station in Taveuni. Thus, plans for the Levuka Fire Station and significant upgrades to the Lautoka Fire Station are also in progress.

This development reinforces the Coalition Government's commitment to ensuring that essential services are accessible to all Fijians, regardless of their location.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of this exciting project, and the Government is proud to support the continued growth and strengthening of fire safety infrastructure in Fiji.

Mr Puamau Sowane

Chief Executive Officer

National Fire Authority of Fiji

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