The Lautoka Chamber of Commerce has voiced significant concern regarding the increasing number of street dwellers and a noticeable rise in robberies in the city. President Semy Swamy has urged city officials to take immediate action on these pressing issues, which he attributes to poor municipal management.
Swamy expressed his disappointment about the state of Lautoka, stating, “The municipal council’s poor administration system is affecting businesses and ratepayers alike, and it doesn’t serve its purpose.” The chamber recently held a meeting with the council and various stakeholders, revealing troubling statistics about crime, including rampant daily robberies, public harassment, and drug-related activities.
These rising crime rates, coupled with a lack of effective policing, have caused many local businesses to close their doors early for safety reasons. Swamy pointed out that the number of public disturbances has increased, with visible homelessness and substance abuse becoming everyday challenges that plague downtown Lautoka. “There is an alarming rate of daily robberies, shoplifting, public harassment, glue sniffing, homelessness, street dwellers, drug peddling in street corners outnumbering police patrols, and this has made Lautoka a criminal city,” he stated.
In response to these growing concerns, Taitusi Rasoki, chairperson of the Lautoka City Council’s special administrator, acknowledged the council’s commitment to addressing these issues but noted that many of these problems extend beyond the council’s control, implicating other agencies like Social Welfare and local law enforcement. He emphasized that ongoing collaboration and discussion with the chamber are vital for tackling the city’s issues effectively.
This situation mirrors similar challenges previously highlighted, where urban issues in Lautoka, including drug-related activities and homelessness, were also discussed by local governmental bodies. The partnership between the city council, social services, and the police is being seen as crucial for addressing these interconnected challenges in a comprehensive manner.
To put a hopeful spin on the current predicament, it’s recognized that through enhanced cooperation and shared responsibilities between local authorities and community organizations, there is a substantial opportunity to create positive change. By coming together and prioritizing public safety and social welfare, Lautoka can work towards establishing a safer environment that benefits all residents and businesses.
Leave a comment