$2.8m Lautoka bus terminal upgrade boosts safety and efficiency

The upgraded $2.8million Lautoka Bus Terminal was officially opened today, with Government describing the project as a major step towards improving safety, dignity and efficiency for thousands of daily commuters in the Sugar City.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the upgrade reflected Lautoka’s role as a major transport and commercial hub, serving students, workers, vendors and visitors every day.

“Lautoka is a city of movement, of people, of commerce and of opportunity,” Mr Nalumisa said.

“For many commuters, this bus station is the first and last point of contact with the city, and it must be safe, efficient and dignified.”

He said the old bus station pavement had been replaced with new concrete, 16 new CCTV cameras had been installed, and the road exit near Sugar City Mall, along with the market loading and unloading bay, had been resealed.

Mr Nalumisa said the upgrade represented a significant investment in public transport infrastructure, improving traffic flow, safety and comfort for commuters, operators and vendors.

Return and Earn recycling

During the opening, the minister also highlighted the success of the Return and Earn recycling initiative being implemented by the Lautoka City Council.

He said the council had paid out $1,120 and collected 22,400 aluminium cans and plastic bottles within just two days under the initiative.

Eight beverage companies are supporting the programme, which provides income opportunities for Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPRs) while encouraging the public to return recyclables.

“The Return and Earn initiative allows CPRs to earn a livelihood while giving citizens an incentive to return recyclables and earn five cents per item,” Mr Nalumisa said.

He said the initiative would contribute to a cleaner environment and help reduce Fiji’s carbon footprint.

Mr Nalumisa also commended the Lautoka City Council for completing the night food market at Namoli Green, which now provides space for 67 vendors—mostly women—to sell food during the day, with another 67 vendors operating at night.

Lautoka City Council special administrator and chair Taitusi Rasoki said the night food market project was fully funded by the council at an estimated cost of $2.8 million.

He said WesEng Consulting Pte Ltd was the project consultant, with the contract effective from May 1, 2024, while Hot Spring Hire Services Pte Ltd continued the contract agreement from May 26, 2025.