𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐮 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞? Honourable Bala Demands Immediate Government Intervention

𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐮 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞? Honourable Bala Demands Immediate Government Intervention

By Rariqi Turner

Concerns are mounting over the fate of Valelevu Ground, a landmark site in Nasinu, following reports that it has been leased out for private development.

At this hour, reports suggest that Grace Road Group has secured a development lease, although we are awaiting confirmation from Felix Magnus, the special administrator of Nasinu Town.

This move has sparked strong reactions from many Nasinu residents who view the ground as a national icon, including former Minister for Local Government, Honourable Praveen Bala, who is calling for immediate government intervention.

Honourable Bala has condemned the reported lease, stating that the government must act immediately to protect Valelevu Ground and the people’s right to use this iconic landmark.

“This is not just another piece of land. Valelevu Ground is an institution—a place where communities have gathered for generations. Handing it over to private developers without clear public consultation is a betrayal of the people of Nasinu,” Bala said.

"And it’s not just part of the ground, but the entire ground that has been given away, in what appears to be a ploy to make a quick buck."

An Expression of Interest (EOI) was previously advertised in newspapers, but little public information is available about what the "development" entails. To our knowledge, no public consultations have been conducted.

Strangely, the EOI published did not name the ground and only gave the lot number.

For decades, Valelevu Ground has been more than just a recreational space—it has been a cornerstone of Nasinu’s cultural and sporting history. The ground has hosted major festivals, school sports events, religious gatherings, and community programs, serving as a vital hub for the people of Nasinu and beyond.

One of the most notable events held at Valelevu Ground is the Nasinu Festival, which has drawn thousands of visitors over the years. This annual event celebrates local culture, business, and entertainment, giving small vendors and local artists a platform to showcase their talents.

The ground has also been a training and competition venue for athletes, schools, and sports clubs, making it an integral part of Fiji’s sporting landscape.

The prospect of losing such a historically and socially significant space to private development has left many residents outraged.

Community leaders and concerned citizens are questioning why a site with such deep roots in Fiji’s public life would be turned over to commercial interests.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.