The Lautoka City Council has encountered significant funding shortfalls regarding the construction of its multimillion-dollar swimming pool project. Out of the anticipated $12.6 million promised by the government, the council has reportedly received only $5.5 million. Additionally, the council had to allocate an extra $1.06 million from its own budget to keep the project afloat during the years 2017 to 2020, as revealed by former council horticulturalist Shri Charan.
Mr. Charan, who served the council from 1992 until his retirement in 2020, has expressed serious concerns about the apparent “missing” funds allocated for the project. He noted that when government funding began in 2017, the council had high expectations, but the reality has been disappointing. Despite an allocation of $1.75 million in 2017 and a promised $3 million in 2018, these funds did not materialize as intended, leading to frustrations within the council, particularly concerning the ongoing communication with the ministry for financial disbursements.
Support for Mr. Charan’s claims can be found in the Auditor General’s Report of Municipal Councils, which confirmed that while the council kept precise records of swimming pool expenses, the allocation of funds was inaccurately handled, resulting in delays in project execution. The audit pointed to the Construction Implementation Unit (CIU) as a significant hurdle, as it failed to release necessary funds, halting progress after September 2019.
Interestingly, there’s a glimmer of hope as the Minister for Local Government recently announced in Parliament that the pool project is slated for completion by 2026, with additional allocations of $6.1 million earmarked for the years 2023 to 2025. This announcement comes amid ongoing efforts from the council to improve planning and management of such capital projects, committing to ensure that future agreements are signed before work begins to eliminate past financial discrepancies.
While residents have expressed frustration about the ongoing delays, there is a prevailing hope that these steps can lead to enhanced project governance. If effectively executed, this renewed focus on managing public funds and improving local infrastructure can foster greater community benefits in the future, potentially transforming the Lautoka swimming pool into a vital recreational facility.
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