Developement Archives - Lautoka City Council

Official Opening of Namoli Green Night Food Market and Launch of Digital Parking Meters in Lautoka City

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 22:30:29 +0000

The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, graced the official opening ceremony of the Namoli Green Night Food Market and the launch of Digital Parking Meters in Lautoka City, marking significant strides towards enhancing community facilities and urban infrastructure.

Namoli Green Night Food Market: A Culinary Hub for Innovation

Situated adjacent to the Lautoka Bus Stand, the Namoli Green Night Food Market stands as a beacon of culinary diversity with 70 food stalls, including seven cart spaces equipped with washing and sitting facilities for vendors and consumers alike. This innovative market is not just a place to savor local cuisine but a platform aimed at fostering fresh ideas, nurturing local businesses, and fostering community bonds. In a first for leisure enthusiasts, the market offers an ambiance perfect for strolling, shopping, and relishing delectable food.

Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa emphasized the Fijian Government and Lautoka City Council’s unwavering commitment to modernize facilities while keeping an eye on the evolving needs of the communities, both present and future.

Digital Parking Meters Revolutionize Lautoka City’s Parking System

In a parallel initiative, the Minister inaugurated the deployment of Digital Parking Meters in Lautoka City, aligning with the city’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies for improved urban services. Lautoka City Council, guided by the Ministry, procured 45 state-of-the-art Electronic Parking Meters to replace the traditional lollipop meters.

The introduction of Pay & Display meters and the revolutionary Pay By Plate technology ushers in a new era of convenience. This technology enables users to input their vehicle registration number into the system, with real-time updates accessible to city rangers via smart devices. In the coming weeks, the Pay By Plate feature will be activated, allowing drivers to pay for parking at the nearest Pay by Plate parking meters without returning to their parked vehicles. During this transitional period, drivers are advised to display their parking tickets on their dashboards.

Lautoka City Council remains steadfast in its commitment to embracing modern solutions that elevate the city’s functionality and convenience, exemplifying a forward-looking approach to urban development.

Note: The drone shots and video are courtesy of Mr. Mohit Lal of Lautoka City.

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Namoli Green Night Market Opening Soon

admin — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 03:58:51 +0000

The Namoli Green Night Market is set to open on the first week of January.

Lautoka City Council Manager Health Services and acting chief executive officer Rouhit Karan Singh said people can look forward to a range of food delicacies available between 6pm to 6am daily.

The Namoli Green Night Market will be located beside the Lautoka Bus Stand and will comprise 70 food stalls including seven cart spaces with washing and sitting facilities for vendors and consumers.

“The practical completion inspection has been conducted by the consultant and we are in final stages of completion,” Mr Singh said.

“We will have a stakeholder meeting to discuss our policy and the stall fees and those who applied first will be given first chance.

“The master list is already. There are more than 80 vendors who applied however that number has gone down to 60.”

Food vendor, Lusiana Mere, said she hoped the night market would also cater for day vendors who still have food sell.

Source: Fiji Sun | 29th December, 2023

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Government begins process to complete Lautoka pool

admin — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:13:01 +0000

The Coalition Government has begun the process to complete the Lautoka swimming pool project with consultants and project managers to be appointed soon to oversee the works.

The Ministry of Local Government is now looking for interested companies for the tender for consultancy services, redesign, documentation and project management services for the swimming pool located at the Botanical Gardens, Lautoka.

The cost of the yet-to-be-completed pool had escalated from the initial budgeted amount of $2million to $12.6million.

Government has set aside $4.5million in the 2023/2024 national budget for the completion of works.

“The project would resume from where it was halted, with key components including the finalisation of the buildings, refurbishment of the pool and its surrounding areas, acquisition and installation of filtration systems, and necessary accessories, including a three-phase power supply,” Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan said in July.

He said to procure items from overseas, a tender process would be initiated, taking into account awarding, shipment, and delivery times, all of which would be incorporated into the project timeline.

“Overall, the council anticipates a completion time of approximately 10 to 11 months,” Mr Khan said.

Source: The Fiji Times | Date: 28th Dec 2023.

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Termite control program | LCC carries out scoping works of infested homes

admin — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:03:09 +0000

The Lautoka City Council is working closely with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) to identify termite-affected homes within the boundary of the municipality.

Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan said this was part of their role in the Termite Control Assistance Program (TCAP), which received funding of $3 million from Government.

“Lautoka City Council decided to partner on this program as an easy means of accessibility to lodge applications and complaints, and follow ups,” said Mr Khan.

“LCC’s current scope will be for those within the municipal boundary areas with option to assist BAF for those outside the boundary if required.”

According to Government, TCAP is a comprehensive strategy put together by Government and BAF to develop a database for termite infestation in Lautoka and conduct site inspections after treatment works are completed.

TCAP will focus on a comprehensive baiting system from reporting, making baits widely available and subsidising treatment for households earning below $30,000.

Mr Khan said the council’s role was to collect complaints from residents and enter the data into a database.

“Council’s role is that of administrative support, receiving applications and complaints and input data into the applications portal. “Also, upon request, carry out site inspections to verify remedial actions implemented are complete as per requirements set out by BAF.”

He said each application would be processed thoroughly.

“The application processing criteria will determine eligibility after going through the data provided.” While announcing the pilot project in Parliament, Assistant Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna said residents would be able to file reports with the council if they suspected termite infestations on their property.

“The council will then issue reports to TCAP partners for inspection and treatment planning,” said Mr Tubuna.

Source: The Fiji Times

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Lautoka City Council Extends Warm Welcome to Sister City – Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China

admin — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 21:13:32 +0000

In a gesture of international friendship and cooperation, the Lautoka City Council (LCC) was honored to host a delegation from its Sister City, Jiangmen City, located in Guangdong Province, the People’s Republic of China.

During the visit, Mr. Mohammed Anees Khan, CEO of LCC, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation and expressed his gratitude for their official visit to their Sister City. The delegation was led by Mr. Zhang Yuanxing, Chairman of the Jiangmen Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Jiangmen Public Diplomacy Association.

The delegation included distinguished members, such as Mr. Li Zhigang, Vice Director of the Jiangmen Foreign Affairs Bureau, Mr. Liu Xuewen, Director of the Jiangmen Health Bureau, Mr. Zou Dechang, Chairman of the Jianghai Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Lin Guoning, Chairman of the Kaiping Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Ms. Fu Yingjun, Section Chief of the Jiangmen Foreign Affairs Bureau.

The primary purpose of this visit was to enhance mutual understanding and foster greater exchange and collaboration between the two cities in various fields.

Representing LCC, participants included Mr. Anil Amin, Chairman and Special Administrator of LCC, Mr. Shalend Dass, Director of Building and Acting Director of Engineering Services, Mr. Rouhit Karan Singh, Acting Head of Services, Mr. Abdul Israaz Khan, Acting Head of Finance, as well as several managers and supervisors from various departments.

CEO Mohammed Anees Khan also expressed his appreciation for Jiangmen City’s generous donation of face masks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in times of crisis.

The visit between Lautoka City Council and Jiangmen City further solidifies the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two cities, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the future.

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UN-Habitat and Fijian Government Collaborate on Climate Change Adaptation Workshop in Lautoka City

admin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 03:49:57 +0000

A significant stride towards fortifying climate change resilience in Fiji was undertaken through a comprehensive two-day workshop held in Lautoka City Council’s Chamber. The event, led by Ms. Begoña Peiró from UN-Habitat in conjunction with representatives from the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Local Government, served as a pivotal engagement under the Fiji Resilient Informal Settlements (FRIS) project. This venture, funded by the Adaptation Fund (AF) and executed by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Climate Change Division, is emblematic of unwavering commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

Urbanization, while a symbol of progress and development, has inadvertently intensified the effects of climate change, posing dire challenges to vulnerable communities. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies has become paramount. The FRIS project, within its first component of Institutional Strengthening to Enhance Local Climate Response Actions, is steadfastly dedicated to fostering climate resilience through a multifaceted approach.

Key milestones achieved during the workshop included:

Project Orientation and Scope: A comprehensive overview of the FRIS project was presented, elucidating its far-reaching scope and purpose within Component 1.
Framework for Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: Attendees were apprised of the framework guiding vulnerability and risk assessments, which are meticulously aligned with national-level policies to maximize efficacy.
Collaborative Dialogue: Productive discussions were held, encompassing the intricacies of the assessment processes, projected timelines, and forthcoming stages of the initiative.
Key Informant Interviews: Integral to the assessment process, key informant interviews were conducted, acting as a vital source of insight for the forthcoming analysis.
Information Scoping: A meticulous examination of available data resources was undertaken, ensuring a robust foundation for informed decision-making.
Stakeholder Workshop: A day-long workshop convened with key stakeholders from Lautoka City, including council representatives, community leaders, civil society organizations, and more. This assembly served as a critical avenue for sharing knowledge, garnering insights, and fostering a unified climate change adaptation strategy.

The holistic objectives of the workshop align seamlessly with broader global efforts to counteract the burgeoning threats posed by climate change. As communities grapple with the ramifications of rapid urbanization, initiatives such as the FRIS project offer a beacon of hope, underlining the necessity of collaborative, data-driven action to preserve the resilience of vulnerable settlements.

The road ahead is paved with unwavering dedication as UN-Habitat, the Fijian Ministries, and stakeholders unite to traverse the challenges of climate change head-on. The workshop in Lautoka City stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and proactive measures in shaping a more resilient future for Fiji’s inhabitants.

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Lautoka Swimming Pool Project Set for Mid-Next Year Completion, Reveals City Council CEO

admin — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 22:02:15 +0000

The Lautoka Swimming Pool Project is on track to be finished by the middle of next year, according to Mohammed Anees Khan, the chief executive officer of the Lautoka City Council. Khan expressed his delight after an announcement that $4.5 million has been allocated to ensure the completion of the long-awaited project.

“The planning for the resumption of the project is currently underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government,” Khan revealed.

He further detailed that the project would resume from where it was halted, with key components including the finalization of the buildings, refurbishment of the pool and its surrounding areas, acquisition and installation of filtration systems, and necessary accessories, including a three-phase power supply.

To procure items from overseas, a tender process will be initiated, taking into account awarding, shipment, and delivery times, all of which will be incorporated into the project timeline.

“Overall, the council anticipates a completion time of approximately 10 to 11 months,” Khan added.

During a recent post-budget discussion held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad revealed that $7 million has already been spent on the project. However, work on the pool itself remains incomplete.

Prof Prasad announced that the Coalition Government has pledged an additional $4.5 million to ensure the project’s successful conclusion. Once finished, the swimming pool is expected to serve the residents of Lautoka, local communities, schools, swimming clubs, professional athletes, and visiting sports teams.

The eagerly anticipated completion of the Lautoka Swimming Pool Project will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the local community and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for all stakeholders involved.

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Lautoka City Council: No change in fees

admin — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 21:53:52 +0000

The Lautoka City Council (LCC) has maintained that charges on the hiring of Churchill Park carnival grounds have not changed after the COVID-19 pandemic when the fees were reduced.

Responding to queries from this newspaper on claims made by the Sugar Festival Foundation Fiji that they were charged $6000 to hold the Sugar Festival at Churchill Park, LCC chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan said the amount stated by the committee was from 2019.

“Once the COVID-19 restrictions were eased, and go-ahead given by the Ministry of Local Government, and since then four carnivals have been successfully held at the Churchill Park Carnival grounds,” he said.

“Currently, we have a booking for a major carnival to be held in August 2023.

“The hire charges for the carnival ground remain the same as were advertised in April 2021 and all venue hirers have been charged accordingly.

“The cost given to you by Sugar Committee is from 2019, which includes preparation days and carnival days, using the old rates.

“Council held meetings with two of the major festival/ carnival organisers on October 14, 2022, and only one of them has made a booking since then.”

He said a total of five festivals had been successfully held at the carnival grounds since May last year.

The council CEO added that apart from the change in charges, the usual requirements were in place for festival organisers to comply with.

“The usual list includes a permit from LCC as well as from DO’s Office, police, FRA and LTA on traffic management plan, OHS compliance and EFL permits if additional power is required.

“Various carnival or festival organisers have been paying the required charges when their festival was held.

“Council will give their full support if anyone wishes to hold a carnival at other venues.

“The council is always available to discuss terms and conditions to those who wish to use the grounds.

“There are some drainage improvements required at the carnival ground venue, which will be undertaken in the next financial year 2023-2024, with planning and design to start from August 2023.”

Source: The Fiji Times (Dated: 20 June 2023)

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The 4-Month Ban on All Species of Grouper (Kawakawa) and Coral Trout (Donu)

admin — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:05:18 +0000

The Fiji Government has banned the harvest, sale, buying, possession or export of all species of Grouper (kawakawa) and Coral Trout (donu) during their peak spawning months, from the 1st of June through to the 30th of September, to help revive these rapidly declining fish species.

Any person or business found harvesting, selling, buying, possessing or exporting kawakawa and donu during the

4-month ban period will have their fish confiscated and will receive high fines:

For individuals, an instant fine of $10,000, with the potential of up to $50,000 in fines.
For corporations, an instant fine of $20,000, with the potential of up to $100,000 in fines.

The level of the fine can depend on the severity of the offense and will be determined by the Fiji Court System.

Why is the Ban Needed?

Kawakawa and donu are A-grade fish that are critical food and income for Fijians. But these fisheries are facing collapse, if no management action is taken. The ban is intended to ensure the fish species are allowed to successfully breed each year, so the stocks recover. Because if we let them breed each year, we can have more fish the rest of the year.

What Species are Banned?

The harvest, sale, buying, possesion and export of all species of kawakawa (grouper) and donu (coral trout) are banned.

The six most common kawakawa and donu typically caught are:

For a full list of the fish, please see the companion Kawakawa and Donu Fish Buyers Guide and poster developed for fishers, sellers and exporters in Fiji.

Enforcing the Ban

The Ministry of Fisheries has been quietly improving its capacity to better address illegal fishing in Fiji. The Fiji Government created a stand-alone ministry to ensure Fiji maximizes its marine resources to support livelihoods and protects the country’s food security. The new Ministry of Fisheries has also created an Inshore Fisheries Management Division to better equip itself to manage fish stocks and in turn, start increasing its compliance capacity.

As the Ministry of Fisheries gears up to enforce the kawakawa and donu seasonal ban, it has an unprecedented coalition to do it. The town councils, which manage the fish markets across the country, have all pledged to work with the Ministry of Fisheries to support the enforcement of the ban. In addition, the Fiji Police Force has made similar high-level pledges to work through its community posts to inform the public and help enforce the ban. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service is also committed to supporting the enforcement of the ban on exporters and the Fiji Navy will support the ban through targeted patrols.

What can I do if I see someone catching or selling kawakawa and donu?

The Ministry of Fisheries will need everyone’s support to effectively enforce the kawakawa and donu seasonal ban. Right now, the town councils, the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and Fiji Navy are stepping up. But everyone can help, including fishers, middlemen, market sellers, and consumers. We need to spread the word that the ban is in place. Let’s give people a chance to do the right thing.

And where we see it being caught or sold, we can report it to the Ministry of Fisheries by calling:

Nausori Fisheries Office: 3476587/9966752
Lami Fisheries Office: 3361122/9966745
Lautoka Fisheries Office: 6665899/9966759
Labasa Fisheries Office: 8812833/9966770

You can also help by photographing any kawakawa and donu that is caught or on sale and sharing it on the campaign Facebook page (www.facebook. com/4fjmovement) or the Ministry of Fisheries Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/fisheriesfiji). Please note the location, seller if possible, and time of day to help document the incident for the Ministry of Fisheries.

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Lautoka City Council Management and Workers Created Awareness On OHS Day

admin — Tue, 09 May 2023 20:04:39 +0000

Lautoka City Council management and workers created awareness on OHS Day on May 3, 2023.

LCC OHS committee representatives and other workers from different designated groups participated in the celebration that marks and commemorates World OHS Day 2023.

The theme focuses on a Safe and Healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.

The management and workers gathered to promote and participate thus creating awareness. The crucial element is engaging in social dialogue in creating and building a positive safety and health culture in the workplace.

LCC Chief Executive Officer pointed out that Council in order enhance and encourage workers to adhere to best OSH practices will have tokens and awards in the future. He added that the worker’s health is protected and they return home from work safely. LCC will promote safety as top priority and it is everyone’s responsibility to do hazard identification and make continuous improvements. There shall be an assessment of risk and all measures such as proper signage, communication, and awareness be done to safeguard all users of the Council’s properties including visitors.

Small and continuous improvements will have a better workplace for all workers which will improve their performance and productivity.

ILO declares that a safe and healthy working environment as a fifth principle and right.

This day is to respect workers and the aim is to raise widespread awareness of the importance of OSH safety and health culture.

Conventions 155 and 187 aims to prevent accidents and injuries and promote continuous improvement.

LCC OHS Chairperson Rouhit Karan Singh shared his sentiments that Employers and workers have roles and responsibilities to fulfill to maintain safe and healthy workplace. Social dialogue, consultation and cooperation in very vital.

The fundamental rights and principles work should empower all social partners to effectively tackle challenges to freedom, dignity, rights and health in their everyday life.

There is a synergic action to improve OSH conditions. Freedom of association and collective bargaining is necessary to ensure meaningful involvement and address inequalities in OSH practice, ensure equal access to safe and healthy work environment to promote decent work for all.

LCC is proud that one its OHS Committee members- Rouhit Karan Singh represented all workers as he is appointed member to National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Board.

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