$100 fine sparks parking worries in Labasa Town

Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tuinabuna says he has not received any complaints from Labasa residents regarding Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) tramline parking.

The Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries has called on FSC to allow public parking along the tramline during the non-crushing season.

Chamber president Vinesh Dayal said the tramline area has been used for decades by shoppers, businesses, and market vendors.

“Without any incidents or complaints, and with approved licences to operate, the directive to block and remove all parking from the FSC tramline is concerning,” Mr Dayal said.

He urged Mr Tunabuna to intervene and consider the town’s parking needs.

“Especially during the off-peak, non-crushing season, there is no reason to restrict access. This is a farming community, and many villagers and farmers rely on parking near the tramline when they come into town,” he said.

Mr Dayal added the move was affecting farmers and businesses, with a $100 fine discouraging people from coming into Labasa Town.

“People are now scared to come into town because they fear being fined. Parking is a major issue, and the retail sector is being affected,” he said.

While the Labasa Town Council has made temporary parking arrangements at Subrail Park, questions remain about FSC’s decision.

FSC chief executive officer Bhan Pratap said the matter is being handled by relevant authorities enforcing the fines and directed the newspaper to seek clarification from them.