Lautoka Weekend Activities To Benefit 1000 Businesses

Close to 1000 business houses will benefit from the eventful weekend ahead, beginning from today at the sweet Sugar City of Lautoka.

The city is in preparation for vari­ous sporting tournaments, national celebrations catering for secondary school rugby teams and spectators from around the country.

The second cruise liner, Le Paul Gauguin is also expected to berth at the Port of Lautoka tomorrow with hundreds of tourists while the Vodafone Super Deans Champion­ship finals will also take place at Churchill Park.

On the same day, the Fiji Nurses Association Sports Tournament will also take place at the Multipur­pose Court.

Alongside this, the Lautoka City Council is also in preparation to host the national celebration of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday today hosted by the Fiji Muslim League at Churchill Park and the Fiji Day celebrations on Monday.

Cruise liner Silver Explorer is also expected to be at the Port of Lautoka on Monday.

Lautoka Chamber of Commerce president, Pyara Singh said the ac­tivities were a positive sign for the business houses, especially follow­ing the effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Singh said this would also gen­erate good income for them and for the residents of Lautoka.

“I am urging businesses to keep their shops open to cater for the large number of people that will fill our city this week,” he said.

“The economic activities are a pos­itive sign for the public as this will benefit everyone.

“I also urge the restaurants and public transport companies to oper­ate as normal to cater for everyone.”

Council chief executive officer Mo­hammed Anees Khan said it would be a hyped and fun-filled week for Lautoka.

“The preparations to host the Deans Cup final commenced on Monday and majority of the works include tidying up the turf and fa­cilities that were used in last week’s secondary schools soccer finals,” said Mr Khan.

“We will be setting up a carnival-like atmosphere outside the stadi­um, which includes food and juice stalls, flea market, amusement rides and caravans.

He said about 12,000 people are ex­pected to be in Lautoka this week­end.

Mr Khan is advising Fijians to ar­rive early to avoid the rush and traf­fic congestion.

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