Residents along Vomo Street, one of the busiest roads in Lautoka, are expressing concerns for their safety due to multiple non-functional street lights that have been out of service for several months. This issue isn’t isolated to Vomo Street; many areas in Lautoka are experiencing similar street lighting problems, leaving residents uncertain about whom to contact for resolution.
Peni Nabainivalu, a local resident, shared his frustration, stating, “I didn’t know whom to complain to about this matter. The lights haven’t been working for almost a year now. It is a matter of safety for the people around here, especially the elderly.” He noted that groups of intoxicated individuals often gather under the trees, making residents uneasy about reaching out to the appropriate authorities, like the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), to fix the streetlight situation.
The lack of adequate lighting has resulted in troubling incidents, with reports of harassment, particularly by young boys lurking in the dark. Nabainivalu recounted an alarming incident involving his brother-in-law, whose vehicle was vandalized when its back window was smashed while parked.
Another resident, Rajesh Lata, voiced similar fears. She said after contacting the Lautoka City Council, she was advised to direct her complaint to the FRA but felt lost in the process. “I don’t know how to. People come and sit under the trees across from my home during the night. I don’t understand why only a section of the streetlights in front of my house isn’t working,” she added. Lata emphasized the road’s busyness and her anxiety about potential break-ins, saying, “We never know what can happen. I’m scared that someone can take advantage of the darkness and try breaking into my home.”
Given the importance of street lighting to urban safety, residents are hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure their streets are safe and well-lit. Inquiries made to the FRA regarding this issue have not yet been answered.