Concerns have emerged among members of the Lautoka Lawn Bowls Association following the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) announcement of the planned sale of the Lautoka Bowling Club, a vital venue for the sport in the city. FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh confirmed that the club is included in the company’s strategic asset review and is currently going through a tender process. However, due to the commercially sensitive nature of the sale, no specific details such as the sale price or conditions have been disclosed.
The bowling community has expressed its worries about the potential loss of their long-standing venue, which has been a central training ground for top players in Fiji. A member of the association shared their concerns that the sale could disrupt their playing schedule and limit opportunities for future competitions, stating, “Bowling is a minor sport, and there’s nothing much we can do.”
In a further effort to safeguard the future of lawn bowls in Lautoka, players and officials are hopeful that the government might intervene by purchasing the land. They are advocating for the government to invest in renovations and development of the facility to ensure the community can continue to enjoy and develop the sport.
This situation reflects a broader trend highlighted in previous articles about FSC’s strategic decisions to streamline operations by divesting non-essential assets. Such moves are aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency, but they also raise questions about the impact on local sports and community resources.
Ultimately, while the potential sale of the Lautoka Bowling Club poses challenges for the local bowls community, it also presents an opportunity for re-evaluation and possible government investment that could revitalize the facility. The hope is that by working together, the local community can find a solution that ensures the future vibrancy of bowling in Lautoka.
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