18/03/2026
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: MARCH 18, 2026
RE: REALB WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER
The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr David Edward Solvalu as a new member of the Board, where he will focus on strengthening regulatory oversight and policy development in Fiji's real estate sector.
Mr Solvalu is a Barrister & Solicitor with over a decade of experience in legislative drafting, regulatory law, and public policy. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Edinburgh, a Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the South Pacific.
His professional background includes senior legal roles within the Fijian Government and Statutory Bodies. As Chief Legal Counsel at the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), he led the Legal Department and advised on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and enforcement matters. Before that, he spent nearly six years in the Office of the Attorney-General, where he was responsible for drafting legislation across multiple sectors, including competition, consumer protection, land transport, immigration, and climate change.
More recently, as Founder and Consultant of Solara Law & Policy, Mr Solvalu has undertaken significant law reform projects for government ministries and international organisations. His work has included reviewing the Fiji Immigration Act for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), assisting the Fiji Law Reform Commission with reviews of the Information Act and Electoral Act, and contributing to the drafting of the Education Bill 2025.
Mr Solvalu has also represented the State in constitutional and judicial review matters before the High Court of Fiji. He has served as a senior negotiator for Fiji at multiple UN Climate Change Conferences (COP23, COP24, COP25), specialising in international carbon markets.
His appointment brings extensive regulatory and governance experience to the Board. His legal expertise and background in policy formulation will support REALB's ongoing work to strengthen oversight, maintain professional standards, and ensure compliance in Fiji's real estate sector.
Mr Solvalu joins the Board following the conclusion of the term of outgoing member Mr King Anwar Hussain, who served with dedication for the past two years and five months. Mr Hussain's experience as a businessman and land developer provided the Board with valuable industry insight during his tenure.
These changes come as REALB continues to strengthen its regulatory framework and enhance oversight of Fiji's real estate sector. The Board remains focused on promoting professionalism, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding consumer interests in an evolving property market.
The REALB Board now comprises:
1. Dr Ilimotama Cawi (Chairperson)
2. Ms Caroline Waqabaca (Deputy Chairperson)
3. Ms Unise Druavesi (Board Member)
4. Mr David Edward Solvalu (Board Member)
ABOUT REALB
The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board of Fiji (REALB) is a statutory body responsible for licensing agents and salespersons, regulating branch offices, approving branch managers, and enforcing disciplinary action. REALB works to uphold professionalism and protect consumer interests in the real estate sector.