Former Lautoka City Council mayor Kenneth Low has expressed significant disappointment regarding the current state of his city, referring to it as an “open sewer” that is in urgent need of development and cleanliness. His critical remarks came during a public consultation about a proposed $5 million three-storey development project near Coronation Park, where he highlighted the council’s failure to address critical issues related to waste management and public infrastructure.
Low painted a grim picture of Lautoka’s conditions, asserting, “Lautoka was the Sugar City and the paradise of the Pacific, but not today; today it is an open sewer.” He shared personal experiences, particularly about Robertson Lane, where he owns property. He lamented the dire situation surrounding public sanitation, revealing that because many people living on the streets cannot afford to use the paid public toilets, they resort to making his lane a makeshift restroom. This situation underscores the lack of alternative sanitation facilities in the area.
As a concerned ratepayer, Low expressed his frustration over the pervasive presence of trash throughout the city, urging the council to prioritize the well-being of residents who contribute to local taxes. His words resonate with broader concerns among community members regarding the management of public amenities in Lautoka.
Low’s call for improvements reflects similar sentiments voiced in recent discussions concerning the Nadi Town Council. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya has highlighted the lack of a proper rubbish dump site in Nadi, which contributes to significant waste disposal issues— a situation that results in garbage spilling into local rivers. Such remarks, along with Low’s, underscore a larger, ongoing struggle for effective local governance, particularly regarding infrastructural needs in both Lautoka and Nadi, as both cities face challenges in managing rising populations and tourism.
Despite the challenging circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope that voices like Low’s can inspire crucial action to revitalize urban spaces and improve public health and cleanliness. The forthcoming public consultation in Lautoka represents a valuable opportunity for local officials to reassess their approaches and commit to working collaboratively with the community to foster a cleaner and more attractive urban environment.