Levuka residents want development without sacrificing heritage

Ahead of this week's Fiji Media Association (FMA) Town Hall in Levuka, residents are calling for urgent improvements to ageing roads, public buildings and infrastructure while preserving the town's UNESCO World Heritage status.

Community members say protecting Levuka's rich heritage should not come at the expense of development. Infrastructure upgrades and heritage restrictions are expected to dominate discussions at Wednesday's forum.

The meeting will allow residents to raise their concerns directly with Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu and Fiji Media Association representatives.

The FMA is awaiting confirmation from other invited Government ministers, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Vagadaci resident Malcolm Butiri said Levuka's heritage status remained a source of pride but had also created challenges for maintaining ageing buildings.

"We are proud of our history, but we also need development," Mr Butiri said.

"Many of the buildings need repairs, but because of the heritage rules, renovations are not easy."

FMA general secretary Stanley Simpson said the town hall was designed to give communities direct access to national leaders.

"What makes the FMA town halls special is the opportunity to talk to Ministers directly and raise issues directly with them, especially for people in rural areas and on the outskirts of urban centres," Mr Simpson said.

"This is about listening to the people. We want communities to raise the issues that affect them so meaningful discussions can take place."

He said the event was a joint initiative involving Fiji's major media organisations.

"Communities that cannot attend in person can watch in real time. Nothing is filtered and nothing is edited. The public hears the answers as they are given."

Vuma District resident Adi Veta Turner Balabala said people were eager to discuss the future of the historic town.

She said road conditions, public infrastructure and balancing heritage preservation with future development would be among the key issues.

"We hope this discussion leads to practical solutions that protect our heritage while allowing the town to grow," Ms Balabala said.

The Levuka town hall will be held on Wednesday, July 1, followed by a second forum in Korovou, Tailevu, on Friday, July 3.

The Levuka and Korovou meetings are the fifth and sixth FMA town halls, supported by BBC Media Action.

Over the past 12 months, with support from the United States Embassy, the association has held town halls in Savusavu, Labasa, Tavua and Ba, attracting about 800 attendees and generating more than 650,000 views on the FMA Facebook page alone. This excludes audiences reached through simultaneous broadcasts by Communications Fiji Limited, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Fiji Live, Fiji Sun, Fiji TV, Mai TV and The Fiji Times.

The Tavua and Ba forums were attended by the Prime Minister and several Cabinet ministers.