In a significant move for Nadi, re-elected Mayor Councillor Manu Patel highlighted the importance of beautifying the town and improving local infrastructure following his eighth-term election. In a report from The Fiji Times on January 6, 1984, Patel outlined his key priorities, which include addressing outstanding rate arrears and enhancing the scenic appeal along Queens Road, providing a vital link to Nadi Airport.
Patel unveiled a substantial initiative aimed at transforming the town’s aesthetic, particularly along the airport strip. With assistance from the Regent Hotel, which is contributing donations of trees and plants, the beautification project focuses on enhancing green spaces. Collaborating with owners of vacant land, Patel aims to create plant islands in designated areas, promoting a more vibrant environment.
Financial recovery is also a pressing concern for Patel, who has identified approximately $400,000 in outstanding rate arrears accumulated over the past eight years. He has pinpointed two major defaulters responsible for over $150,000 of this figure and expressed confidence in the town’s ability to recover much of the overdue funds in the upcoming year.
Addressing the current economic challenges, Patel indicated that pursuing the fourth stage of the council’s commercial development plan, which would add office spaces and rental opportunities, may not be feasible at this time.
Alongside beautification efforts, the mayor emphasized the need for significant infrastructure upgrades. He called for the government to prioritize improvements on Queens Road due to increasing traffic demands. Urgent upgrades on hospital roads, drainage systems in new extensions such as Martintar and Namaka, and the installation of streetlights in newly developed areas were also proposed.
As Nadi pursues these infrastructure improvements, there is an encouraging prospect for enhanced aesthetics and a revitalized economy, bolstering the quality of living for residents and attracting tourists to the area. The ongoing initiatives reflect a strong commitment to immediate upgrades and thoughtful urban planning, underscoring the importance of community engagement in development efforts.
Mayor Patel’s proactive stance on enhancements and financial recovery presents a compelling vision of a town set for substantial improvement and transformation.
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