Urban Service Unit
The Urban Service Unit has recently been re-established in 2024.The former Urban Unit, once headed by the Roko Tui Urban, was disestablished in 2004, because the leaderships in the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs felt after the Review of iTaukei Administrations was carried out, that matters regarding iTaukei in the urban and peri-urban areas are better served by the relevant ministries like Ministry of Housing. Rapid urbanization, rising social issues, and recent disturbances (e.g. Nabua) exposed gaps in coordination and response prompted the leaderships to revive the unit. A concept notes (April 2022) and a 2024 Review Report recommended re-establishing a dedicated Urban Service Unit to support Urban Mata and strengthen oversight.
Core Roles of the Urban Service Unit (USU)
The Urban Service Unit (USU) is a specialised operational unit under the iTaukei Affairs Board (TAB), established to respond to the growing social, economic, cultural, and governance challenges facing iTaukei people living in urban and peri-urban areas of Fiji. Its creation reflects the Board’s recognition that rapid urbanisation has significantly altered traditional settlement patterns and that urban iTaukei communities require targeted, coordinated, and culturally grounded support mechanisms distinct from rural service delivery models.
Core Purpose and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Urban Service Unit is to coordinate, support, and strengthen the role of Urban Mata and other iTaukei leadership structures operating within towns, cities, and informal settlements. The Unit serves as the institutional bridge between iTaukei communities in urban settings, the TAB, and relevant government ministries, statutory bodies, local authorities, faith-based organisations, and civil society partners.
Key responsibilities of the USU include
• Urban Community Engagement and Representation
Facilitating effective engagement between Urban Mata, iTaukei households, and service providers to ensure that community concerns, needs, and priorities are accurately communicated and addressed.
• Coordination of Stakeholders and Services
Supporting inter-agency coordination by linking Urban Mata with agencies responsible for housing, health, policing, social welfare, land, education, and local governance, thereby reducing service gaps and duplication.
• Data Gathering, Monitoring, and Reporting
Assisting in the collection and interpretation of data related to urban iTaukei populations, including settlement conditions, social issues, and service access, to inform evidence-based planning and policy recommendations.
• Strengthening Urban Mata Capacity
Providing guidance, training, and clarity on roles and responsibilities of Urban Mata to enhance their effectiveness in leadership, mediation, referrals, and community mobilisation.
• Cultural Preservation and Urban Identity
Promoting urban cultural awareness and reinforcing iTaukei values, protocols, and identity within diverse urban environments, helping communities maintain social cohesion and cultural continuity.
• Prevention and Social Wellbeing Initiatives
Supporting preventative approaches that address rising urban challenges such as crime, youth vulnerability, poverty, health and sanitation issues, and family breakdown through awareness, referrals, and partnerships.
Alignment with the iTaukei Affairs Board’s Vision and Pillars
The Urban Service Unit directly advances the vision and strategic pillars of the iTaukei Affairs Board by ensuring that iTaukei people remain supported, empowered, and connected to their cultural and governance systems, regardless of where they reside.
Specifically, the USU contributes by:
- Good Governance and Leadership
Strengthening Urban Mata structures and reinforcing accountability, coordination, and ethical leadership within urban iTaukei communities. - Social and Economic Wellbeing
Facilitating access to housing, health, welfare, employment support, and financial literacy initiatives through collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders. - Cultural Sustainability
Ensuring that iTaukei customs, protocols, and communal values are respected and adapted appropriately within urban and peri-urban contexts. - Inclusive Development
Supporting TAB’s commitment to leaving no iTaukei behind by extending services beyond traditional village settings to formal settlements, informal settlements, and squatter communities.
Through participatory workshops, stakeholder consultations, and coordinated field activities, the USU operationalises TAB’s strategic intent at the community level, particularly in high-need urban areas.
Communities and Stakeholders Served
The Urban Service Unit primarily serves:
- iTaukei individuals and families living in:
- Formal urban settlements
- Informal settlements
- Peri-urban and squatter communities
- Urban Mata and urban community leaders, who act as the first point of contact between communities and institutions.
In addition, the USU works closely with a broad network of stakeholders, including government ministries, statutory authorities, local councils, NGOs, faith-based organisations, and development partners, to ensure a coordinated and culturally appropriate response to urban challenges.
Current Projects (2025–2026)
| Project Name | Brief Description | Location / Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Mata Workshop | The Urban Mata Workshop was convened by the Urban Service Unit (USU) of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to address the growing social, economic, cultural, and governance challenges faced by iTaukei communities residing in urban and peri-urban areas, particularly within formal, informal, and squatter settlements in the Greater Suva Area. | The two-day workshop brought together Urban Mata representatives and key government, statutory, and civil society stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, clarify mandates, improve information sharing, and collectively identify practical interventions to improve the wellbeing of iTaukei dwellers living in urban settings. The workshop was conducted from 13–14 January 2026 at the Level 9 Conference Room, Suvavou House, and forms part of the broader effort to operationalise the re-establishment of structured urban governance and engagement through the Urban Service Unit | Completed |
Major Goals for 2026
• Strengthen Urban Mata effectiveness through continuous capacity building, clear role definition, and standardised operating procedures.
• Improve coordination and partnerships between Urban Mata, government ministries, local authorities, NGOs, and faith-based organisations working in urban and peri-urban settlements.
• Enhance data-driven decision-making on urban iTaukei issues, particularly in informal settlements.
• Contribute to the reduction of social issues (crime, poverty, health and sanitation challenges) affecting iTaukei communities in urban areas.
Planned Projects / Programs / Events
• Urban Mata Training & Refresher Programs – West
Regular training sessions focusing on roles and responsibilities, reporting, community engagement, and urban cultural awareness.
• Community Visits and Awareness Programs
Coordinated outreach in identified urban and peri-urban settlements, in collaboration with key stakeholders (Police, Health, Housing, NGOs).
• Stakeholder Coordination Workshops / Forums
Follow-up engagement sessions to strengthen referral pathways, information sharing, and joint planning.
• Urban iTaukei Data Collection & Mapping
Support the collection, validation, and use of data on urban iTaukei populations and settlement conditions to inform planning and policy recommendations.
• Monitoring and Reporting Framework
Introduction of standard reporting templates and quarterly reporting mechanisms for Urban Mata.
Expected Outcomes for Communities / Stakeholders
• More informed and confident Urban Mata leadership capable of effectively representing and supporting urban iTaukei communities.
• Improved access to services through clearer referral pathways and stronger collaboration between communities and service providers.
• Better coordinated responses to social, housing, health, and safety issues in urban settlements.
• Stronger community participation and trust, supported by culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
• Evidence-based planning and policy inputs for urban iTaukei development, grounded in reliable data and community realities.