Serious concerns have been raised over the alleged misuse of community car parks and gaps in urban planning during the public consultation on the review of the Local Government Act 1972 in the Central Division.
Speaking at the consultation, Kinoya, Nasinu resident Vasemaca Maulumatua questioned how some municipal councils are managing public spaces, particularly car parks that were originally designated for community use.
Maulumatua emphasizes that certain councils are allowing or selling these community car park spaces to private developers, who are now constructing buildings on them stressing that these areas are meant to serve residents who do not have sufficient parking at their homes.
Insert:Maulumatua on consequences 21ST April
Maulumatua says she hopes the review of the Local Government Act will strengthen protections for public and civic spaces and ensure existing zoning laws are properly enforced.
In response, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government Seema Sharma acknowledged the concern, stating that spaces zoned for specific purposes, such as parking, must be used accordingly under planning laws.
She emphasises that councils are required to consult communities before repurposing such spaces and must provide alternative solutions if changes are made.
She adds that the new legislation aims to strengthen safeguards around open and civic spaces to prevent misuse.
Meanwhile, Maulumatua also raised concerns about municipal responsibilities, claiming that development applications from areas as far as Kadavu were being processed in Suva.
The Permanent Secretary clarifies that municipal boundaries have not been extended, but certain responsibilities were previously delegated from rural authorities to municipal councils.
She confirmed that efforts are underway to return these responsibilities to rural local authorities to make services more accessible.
Nasinu Town Council Special Administrator John Tuiono also highlights the growing pressure on municipal councils due to urbanisation, stressing that Fiji’s population has shifted significantly, with more people now living within or near municipal boundaries, including informal settlements.
Tuiono says councils are facing increasing challenges due to rural-to-urban migration but are not receiving adequate funding or resources to manage these demands.
He stresses that changing population dynamics and development trends must be considered in the review of the Local Government Act to ensure councils are better equipped to meet current and future needs.
The consultation is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Local Government Act 1972 and improve governance, planning, and service delivery across municipalities in Fiji.
The Consultation will continue tomorrow in Western Division at the Sigatoka Town Counicil Chambers and Tavua Multi Purpose Hall from 10am to 12pm, followed by Girmit Center Ba from 3pm to 5pm.
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