Lautoka City Council: No change in fees

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)