Mission
To continue to promote the image of the council by providing efficient and effective services to the general public and work in partnership with the community to protect the environment, provide healthy and safe lifestyle for all.
Vision
To ensure that citizens of Lautoka city cooperate with the council by abiding with the various legislations and policies to secure a cleaner environment and healthier population.
Values
- ensure that the citizens are well informed about the council’s initiatives, policies and relevant legislations.
- embrace sound management and operation practice whereby all concerns raised by the citizens are addressed promptly and effectively.
- discharge duties with due diligence, accountability and transparency.
- promote Lautoka as “Ever Green, Ever Clean, Lautoka City” to members of public and visitors.
Department Services and Operations
The Health Department is responsible for the following functions and services:
1. Enforcement of Legislations
- Food Safety Act 2003, Public Health Act 111, Food Safety Regulation 2009, Food
- Establishment (Grading ) Regulation 2012, Litter Act 2008, Local Government Act Cap 125, Open fire Bylaw, Animal Bylaw, garbage Bylaw, National Building Code, Tobacco Control Act 2010/Tobacco Control Regulation 2012, Environment Management Act 2005 and other relevant By-Laws and Regulations pertaining to environmental health.
- Investigation of public health complaints such as overgrown grass in vacant lots, food, poultry, litter, improper disposal of wastewater, open fire, sewage overflows, etc. and take appropriate actions.
- Institute respective intimation, Statutory and fixed penalty notices and institute legal action upon non-compliances
- Systematic inspections of premises for issuance/renewal of health license and health permits.
2. Solid Waste Management
- Waste Minimization and Recycling promotion (3Rs Initiatives) including clean schools program, home composting, market waste composting, green waste chipping, promotion of eco bags, recycling, etc.
- Operation and management of Vunato Disposal Site considering the environmental concerns and at the same time maintain a sound operation budget.
- Ensure proper record keeping of waste disposal data using the weighbridge system.
- Ensure transparent and fair disposal fee (tipping fee) using the computerized weighbridge systems.
- Garbage collection Services (Monday to Saturday for industrial/commercial/Hospital), twice weekly for residential areas and daily for schools (Monday to Friday).
- Monitor waste management system of industrial premises and liaise with Department of Environment where necessary.
3. Food Safety Programs
- Systematic inspections of premises for issuance/renewal of health license and health permits for exports.
- Food Safety Monitoring and surveillance works
- Food and water sampling works.
- Conduct grading exercises for eateries
- Awareness and training of food businesses and food handlers.
- Investigate and address food complaints
4. Building Works
- Process and scrutinize building plan applications from public health compliance perspectives
- Building Drainage and Completion Inspections
5. Disease Surveillance and Monitoring Works
- Mosquito control and prevention work.
- Larval surveys
- Investigation and surveillance of diseases like Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue (LTDs), COVID 19, etc.
6. Public Amenities/Facility upkeep, cleanliness and hygiene
- Inspection of public places such as roads, parks, gardens, footpath, waterways, gullies, reserves, foreshore, etc
- Monitoring of the environment and health issues at the Market and Bus terminal.
- Systematic inspection of all public conveniences to ensure that it is operated and maintained in clean and hygienic condition at all times under user pay concept.
- Systematic inspection of all public conveniences to ensure that it is maintained in clean and hygienic condition at all times.
- Routine inspection of drains, parks, road reserves, footpaths, walkways, gulley gratings, foreshores and creeks and referral of complaints to Engineering Department and Maintenance Supervisor or other agencies wherever necessary.
7. Health promotion and awareness Programs
- Prepare and disseminate educational programs. Carry out health awareness and promotion works within communities and schools addressing pertinent issues like disease prevention, litter, nuisances, food safety, 3R promotion, COVID 10, LTDs, etc.
Other Works include:
- Dog & Animal Control – liaise with Ministry of Primary industries in controlling the population of dogs in the City.
- Referral of complaints to relevant departments e.g Water Authority of Fiji, EFL, TFL, FRA, DoE wherever necessary.
- Systematic preparation of departmental monthly, quarterly and annual reports
Public Convenience:
Council maintains and provides public convenience services on a user-pay concept from Sugar City Mall, Market, Bus Station, Narara Parade and Tukani Car park. The services is free for market vendors, children and handicapped citizens. However, Public Convenience services from other locations around the city is free of charge. Please click on the following link below to view all the public toilets within our municipality and the charges where applicable:
