Street dwellers in Lautoka have been utilizing the water fountain at the Elizabeth Square roundabout by the post office for bathing, highlighting a poignant issue faced by the local community. This situation was brought to attention by Selwa Nandan, a trustee of the Western Disabled People’s Association and a concerned citizen who witnessed this occurrence on New Year’s Day.
Mr. Nandan described a distressing scene of a man and woman taking showers in the public fountain, raising concerns about their well-being and what might occur in less visible settings at night.
In response to this issue, Lautoka City Council CEO Mohammed Anees Khan acknowledged the situation and stated that the council is aware of individuals living on the streets and in parks. He mentioned that they have alerted law enforcement and the Social Welfare Department to the matter.
During the festive season, the council had set up a Christmas tree and lights in the square, alongside deploying a security guard at the site overnight to ensure the safety of the area and its visitors. However, the presence of the security guard did not prevent the misuse of the fountain. Mr. Khan noted that the increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic was hoped to deter such activities, but the recent incident has prompted a formal report to the police and Social Welfare to locate and assist those in need.
While the situation is concerning, it sheds light on the broader challenges faced by the homeless population in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of community support and social services in addressing these needs.
This incident also serves as a reminder that public spaces should be safe and accessible for everyone, and collaborative efforts are necessary to find sustainable solutions for those experiencing homelessness. There are hopeful prospects for improvement, as increased awareness and action from local authorities can lead to better support systems and resources for vulnerable community members.
In summary, Lautoka’s street dwellers have highlighted a pressing social issue by using public fountains for bathing, prompting local authorities to take action and work towards addressing the needs of the homeless population in the city.
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