Former Lautoka City Council mayor Kenneth Low has expressed strong disappointment regarding the state of his city, describing it as an “open sewer” in desperate need of development and cleanliness. Speaking at a public consultation about a proposed $5 million three-storey developmental project near Coronation Park, Low criticized the council’s neglect in addressing critical waste management and public infrastructure issues.
Low highlighted the deteriorating conditions in Lautoka, stating, “Lautoka was the Sugar City and the paradise of the Pacific but not today; today it is an open sewer.” He relayed personal experiences, including the sad state of Robertson Lane, where he owns property. “If you go to the market and the public toilets, the council collects money from that, so the people living on the streets cannot afford to go there. So, they just ‘water’ my lane,” he lamented, pointing to the lack of alternative sanitation facilities.
As a concerned ratepayer, Low voiced his frustration over the presence of trash in the city. “There is rubbish everywhere,” he said, urging the council to prioritize the welfare of the citizens who pay their rates. His comments not only reflect personal grievances but also resonate with wider concerns among residents regarding the management of public amenities within the city.
This call for improvements echoes similar sentiments expressed in recent discussions about the Nadi Town Council, where issues surrounding waste management and sewerage have also come to light. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya has noted the absence of a proper rubbish dump site in Nadi, highlighting a significant gap in waste disposal services that leads to garbage ending up in local rivers, a situation deemed unacceptable for urban areas. Koya’s remarks alongside Low’s emphasize a broader, ongoing struggle for effective local governance, particularly addressing infrastructural needs in both Lautoka and Nadi as they cater to growing populations and tourism.
As city officials and communities engage in dialogue, there remains a sliver of hope that residents’ voices, like Low’s, will spur much-needed action toward revitalizing urban spaces and ensuring that public health and cleanliness are prioritized. The forthcoming public consultation in Lautoka is an opportunity for local authorities to reassess their strategies and work collaboratively with citizens to cultivate a cleaner, more appealing urban environment.