Lovu residents call for better roads and water access

Lovu Seaside settlement residents in Lautoka are facing two major issues — poor road conditions and lack of water access.

According to Aquila Were the settlement is home to 80 households, many of whom struggle daily because of poor drainage infrastructure.

During heavy rains, floodwaters cover the roads and often rise to knee level, making it difficult for residents to move around safely.

“We know this is a settlement area and the drainage system has not been properly developed,” Mr Were said.

“When there is heavy rain, the roads are flooded and our children cannot go to school.”

Residents are calling on Government to improve drainage systems and upgrade the roads in the area. Despite being only a five-minute drive from Lautoka City, the community continues to face basic infrastructure challenges.

Kishore Kumar at his residence in Lovu Settlement, Lautoka.

Water access

For water access the water pipeline only reaches halfway through the settlement, leaving those living closer to the seaside with no direct access to water supply.

“Those of us living beyond that point have to carry buckets and pots to fetch water from families who have access to the pipes,” Mr Were explained.

Residents are urging Government to consider their situation in the upcoming National Budget, particularly by increasing funding for water infrastructure.

“We hope Government will think of us, especially when it comes to water, because it is one of our daily needs,” he said.

Another resident, 68-year-old Kishore Kumar, shared similar concerns about the hardships faced by families in the settlement.

Kumar, who worked for many years as a cane cutter, built his home in Lovu using his FNPF savings and has lived there since 2005.

Mr Kumar and his wife now rely on monthly social welfare assistance to survive.