Support key to success of Lautoka's anti-begging operation
He said a similar programme had been implemented by the previous government, but many people eventually returned to begging.
Wednesday 05 August 2026 | 09:00
City Rangers, assisted by police, are issuing warning notices to people found soliciting alms in public places and advising them that persistent begging and obstructing pedestrian access are offences that could lead to enforcement action.
Lautoka city council.
Lautoka's latest crackdown on begging will only succeed if those taken off the streets receive long-term employment, housing and welfare support, a community leader has warned.
Lautoka Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy welcomed the joint operation by the Lautoka City Council, Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, but said past efforts had failed because follow-up support was lacking.
"The good part of this initiative is that the council, through municipal social welfare, is helping these people find employment and housing, which means they will not be left on the streets," Mr Reddy said.
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He said a similar programme had been implemented by the previous government, but many people eventually returned to begging.
"A similar exercise has been done before, but what we have seen is that as soon as the exercise stops, the people come back on the streets because, after a while, nobody comes to check on them."
Mr Reddy said the latest initiative could become a model for other municipalities if it achieved lasting results.
"It will be a very good thing for Lautoka, and maybe the other municipal councils can learn something from this initiative if the operation is fruitful," he said.
The Lautoka City Council said the operation aims to address begging while ensuring vulnerable people receive the support they need.
City Rangers, assisted by police, are issuing warning notices to people found soliciting alms in public places and advising them that persistent begging and obstructing pedestrian access are offences that could lead to enforcement action.
The council said the operation was not solely focused on enforcement, with those identified during the exercise being referred to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection for welfare assistance and support to address the underlying causes of their circumstances.
A ministry spokesperson said addressing homelessness and street dwelling in Lautoka had been a priority since Minister Sashi Kiran took office in 2024, with work continuing to provide welfare support and pathways out of homelessness.
