New sports facility plans amid Subrail Park lease controversy

The Labasa Town Council has confirmed that Subrail Park, one of the town’s main public recreational spaces, was leased to a private company in previous years.

The revelation comes amid a pending court case, raising questions over the council’s management of public assets.

During a Parliament submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs last week, Members of Parliament questioned council officials about the lease and future plans for sports facilities.

Council chief executive officer Irfaan Ali initially told the committee that no parks had been leased for commercial purposes.

However, special administrator and chairperson Paul Jaduram clarified that Subrail Park had indeed been leased, and legal proceedings involving local businessman Basir Khan were ongoing.

The dispute stems from a 2021 case in which Mr Khan was acquitted by the Labasa Magistrate Court over the development of a shop in SB Khan Mall.

The council had appealed the decision, but the High Court dismissed the appeal because the council had not obtained approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ordering the council to pay $200 to Mr Khan.

Despite the controversy, the council is moving ahead with development plans. Mr Jaduram told MPs that the council had identified land in Wailevu, outside Labasa Town, for a modern sports facility capable of hosting major events, including international games.

“We are looking at another venue where we can construct a fully fledged park that can host international games,” he said.

He added that discussions with landowners were ongoing.

Opposition MP Praveen Bala raised concerns about the Labasa Market, calling it a “congestion area” and asking if there were plans to relocate it. Mr Jaduram said there were no immediate plans, though future councillors could consider the idea.