The Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association is expressing optimism that the Lautoka City Council will heed local concerns regarding a proposed $5 million development near Coronation Park. Association president Narayan Reddy highlighted that while the council clarified that the construction would not encroach on the actual park area, apprehensions remain among residents about the proposed site.
Reddy pointed out that the area in question typically lacks public engagement, featuring benches that see little use and is subject to flooding during heavy rains, indicating practical concerns about its suitability for development. “It’s like a basin, so every time there is heavy rain, water collects there,” he explained.
Gratitude was expressed from Reddy towards the council’s special administrator chairman, Taitusi Rasoki, who assured residents that no approvals for the development have been granted yet. Reddy acknowledged the importance of recent consultations where residents were allowed to voice their concerns, emphasizing, “We thank Mr. Rasoki and the council for their informative consultations.”
The association’s primary objective is to advocate for a relocation of the proposed development to a more suitable area, ensuring that community voices are adequately represented in the decision-making process. Public submissions on the project are set to conclude on November 6, with ongoing discussions fostering a hopeful outlook for community engagement and a transparent development process.
This situation reflects a growing trend in Lautoka where residents are increasingly vocal about protecting their green spaces amid development pressures. Similar sentiments have been echoed in recent local discussions surrounding other development proposals, illustrating a community committed to preserving recreational areas while balancing urban growth with environmental stewardship. As the city navigates these conversations, the collaborative dialogue between local authorities and residents signals a positive trajectory toward sustainable development that resonates with community aspirations.