Labasa Town Council’s $2 parking rate under scrutiny

A newly introduced $2 daily parking rate in Labasa is being questioned after a receipt showed a higher charge was still being applied.

The Labasa Town Council earlier announced it had reduced parking fees to $2 per day following concerns raised by factory workers in the Vakamasisuasua Subdivision.

The $2 parking fee came into effect on Tuesday, June 16.

However, a receipt dated June 17, 2026, shows a motorist was charged $7.60, raising concerns about whether the revised rate is being consistently implemented.

The council introduced the new rate after Pinto Industries Pte Limited director Vishal Narayan highlighted the financial burden faced by workers paying hourly parking fees.

Mr Narayan said workers in the industrial zone were previously paying between $8 and $10 a day under the hourly system.

"Workers have no choice but to leave their vehicles for eight to 10 hours a day, six days a week," he said.

He said most factory workers earned between $5 and $7 an hour, making parking costs a significant expense.

Mr Narayan also said high parking fees had forced some workers to park along narrow roadsides, creating congestion and access issues for heavy vehicles.

Council administrator Samuela Ligairi confirmed the revised rate.

"We have revised the rate to $2 per day," Mr Ligairi said.

He said the decision was made earlier this week to ease pressure on workers.

However, the June 17 receipt has raised fresh questions about whether the new rate has been fully implemented.