New Local Government Minister briefed on LCC’s plan for 2023

Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa and Assistant Minister Lenora Qereqeretabua met with Lautoka City Council and Ba Town Council recently to have a collective brief on issues and projects that is lined up for the year.

The main challenge that was part of the discussion was pluvial flooding in Ba and so far the town has been flooded six times in this new year alone.

The town councils have been advised by the Minister to make urgent assessments to improve drainage and flooding in Ba town which is heavily affecting those who daily commute into town and affects businesses as well.

The Council has been using multi-agency approaches to work on mitigating measures related to drainage, flooding and other developments and upgrades.

The Minister acknowledged the work that had been achieved to date and emphasised the critical importance of working together as a team in moving the organisations forward.

Both Ministers also had a thorough briefing on Lautoka Swimming pool project by Lautoka City Council while on a tour to visit Town Councils and projects in the Western Division.

The swimming pool has been a longstanding issue of discussion among residents and authorities since its announcement in 2015.

The Minister has called to have focused priorities and set timelines to move the project forward after there is a decision on peer review report and clear recommendations are provided.

Located at the Botanical Gardens, the aquatic centre was also planned to include a pavilion to allow the facility to host international swimming competitions.

Source: City Star – The Community Newspaper from Lautoka