A stock take of trees by the Suva City Council (SCC) has revealed that there are more than 500 trees in their care.

And quite a large number of these trees are older than 75 years.

Suva and Lami special administrator chairperson Isikeli Tikoduadua said in a previous stock take, seven trees were identified as being more than a century old.

“What is now needed is an appropriate maintenance programme to ensure protection and longevity of this vital and natural ecosystem,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“Council is hence looking at developing and implementing an effective Tree Operational Management Plan that will guide the council in the proposed maintenance programme.

“Procedures in the plan is to include trimming/pruning, preserving and where necessary re-planting or planting new trees at potential spots. In line with this process, the council is also interested in developing a City Public Tree Register.”

SCC found out that the older trees needed special dietary programmes to support life span.

And for this a tender was issued.

According to Mr Tikoduadua, one of the key identities of Suva’s cityscape were the surrounding historical trees.

“The council is fully committed in developing a programme that will be used to manage these trees effectively. As part of this Special Programme, SCC is interested in developing special information panels near special trees in which a background of the trees shall be provided.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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