The Lautoka City Council (LCC) and Challenge Engineering Ltd have provided clarifications regarding a proposed $5 million three-storey development situated near Coronation Park, following previous reports that may have misunderstood the project’s scope. Daniel Chand, the acting director for building and engineering services at LCC, indicated that the council’s intended development focuses on lots 4 and 5, ND3747, along Tavewa Avenue, rather than directly within Coronation Park itself.
Chand emphasized the procedural steps the council must undertake before actual construction can begin, which includes obtaining approval from the Ministry of Local Government and the Department of Lands, in addition to fulfilling other regulatory requirements. “The council will have to go one step at a time,” he remarked, highlighting the careful approach needed for this type of development.
Challenge Engineering’s financial controller, Rimal Mogam, further clarified that the project is entirely funded by the developer, with no financial backing from LCC. He noted that the private-public partnership arrangement involves signing a lease, with the developer funding the infrastructure developments and ultimately transferring property back to the council.
The discussion around the project has included public consultations, reflecting a commitment to community input. Negative and positive feedback has arisen, with concerns regarding the potential loss of trees and park space. The council mentioned it is possible to save the four trees in question, which indicates a willingness to involve community preferences in environmental considerations.
Furthermore, there was a clarification provided regarding a reported $8.6 million in rate arrears. Chand asserted that this figure is not apprised for 2023 as misunderstood in a prior article, explaining that it represents unpaid rates up to July of this year, while the current totals are much lower, standing at $2.3 million.
The council has expressed intentions to enhance public amenities, planning upgrades for Coronation Park that would include improvements like better lighting, paving, and additional seating. Community involvement remains crucial, with the council inviting ongoing feedback on the development proposal to help shape the project’s direction positively.
The proactive stance of the LCC reflects a broader commitment to balancing urban development with community needs, aiming to foster an environment where growth does not come at the expense of public spaces. The upcoming public consultations signal hope for collaborative dialogue as Lautoka continues to evolve.
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