There are plans to relocate Labasa market and the bus stand to Subrail Park.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Local Government, Infrastructure, Transport, Housing and Environment Parveen Kumar.

Mr Kumar said the two public consultation meetings were already held.

The first meeting was conducted by the National Planning Development and the second meeting was organised by the Local Government committee.

“During these meetings people from Labasa suggested to relocate the market and bus stand to Subrail Park and Subrail Park relocated to another venue,” Mr Kumar said.

“I have seen the plan with Labasa Town Council and we are working on it.

“We are also going to embark on a major re-development of Labasa Town Council.

“We will relocate the Labasa Town Council building and have some commercial activities so that there can be some revenue for the council.”

The confirmed place for this is yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Mr Kumar said a team of Fiji Police Force, Lands Transport Authority and Fiji Roads Authority has been formed to look into avenues in managing traffic congestion issues.

“I am aware of the traffic problems in Labasa Town,” he said.

“In Fiji, the biggest congestion is in Suva.

“Even if we have four lanes, the problem will remain the same.

“There were some suggestions like to have school hours opening at 9am but this cannot be considered.

“I would like to urge people to be patient and give us time as we currently looking into best ways to address this issue.”

Declaration of North towns

Mr Kumar said the declaration of town for Nabouwalu and Seaqaqa would be done at the end of the year.

“The Local Government committee has been in place and they are working on the necessary processes involved,” he said.

“The declaration of town is not an issue. You need to have facilities. You just can’t declare a place town anyhow.”

As for Taveuni to have a town he explained, this was not under Local Government.

“Last year during my visit to the island with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama there were some talks about Taveuni to have a town,” he said.

“I have asked the Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea to look into the possibilities of having a town in the island.”

Ratepayers urged to pay up

Mr Kumar has urged rate payers and municipal council to work in partnership so that through effective rate collection, service delivery can be improved.

“Many people do not realise that town rate collections are major revenue to all municipalities.

“And we are finding difficulties in terms of the operation of municipalities.”

Edited Rusiate Mataika

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