‘It’s important that you become customer-oriented’

The Lautoka City Council is working in collaboration with the Police to legalise wheelbarrow service providers operating around the Lautoka Bus Station and market.

This is after the council briefed 11 wheelbarrow boys on Wednesday, Police and council representatives about the draft regulations they would have to adhere to after being properly registered.

Council chief executive officer Jone Nakauvadra said it was time Lautoka City pioneered the move to register and legalise wheelbarrow services as it was a source of income for the providers.

“It’s important that you become customer-oriented as Lautoka is a city and customer service is pivotal and we hope you understand the direction the council is taking.

“Your business licences will be given by the town ranger and you will need to get registered first and you will be legalised by January next year,” he said.

He said payment of licence fees per wheelbarrow would range from $3 weekly, $12 monthly and $144 yearly, and all wheelbarrows would be numbered for identity purposes.

“You will only operate from the designated sites such as Lautoka Bus Station disembarking bay and at the junction of Vakabale Street and Tukani Street near the bus station.”

Their uniforms were presented by Lautoka Police Station Commander Acting Superintendent Henry Steele.

Mr Nakauvadra said all wheelbarrows would be inspected by the town ranger, bus station attendant or the market master from time to time.

“Anyone who is below 18 years of age will not be allowed to work as a wheelbarrow boy because that may be considered as child labour, and all will be required to wear an identification card (ID)” he said.

Meanwhile, Lautoka Market Police Community Post officer Corporal Garry Magoon said the Police now needed assistance from the wheelbarrow boys.

“From now on, you’re leaving your past behind so we will need to work together should you witness any criminal activities taking place,” Corporal Magoon said.

He asked them to refrain from street language and be honest in the work they did in serving the public.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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