RAKIRAKI Town is poised for major infrastructure improvements, with plans underway to expand its local market and upgrade the drainage system.
Rakiraki Town Council Special Administrator Peni Duaniwai confirmed the upcoming developments, aimed to boost local commerce and enhance the region’s appeal to visitors.
“Rough estimate on the upgrade is $940,000 of the market, funding for the market project and the drainage system will be fully provided by the government but the drainage will have a different budget,” Mr Duaniwai said.
Town officials plan to begin construction in the new financial year to accommodate more local vendors and modernise facilities.
“We intend to start in the new financial year; it will accommodate more vendors and we are trying to raise the standard of our market for tourism purposes.”
He said the council was focusing heavily on sanitation and waste management to complement recent commercial growth along the coast, particularly within the tourism sector.
“Right now, there are more hotels built around the seaside and that’s one thing that we’re going to improve, the standard, and also the cleanliness of our town.”
In addition to town center upgrades, government authorities are evaluating long-term waste management options, including relocating the dump site.
“We just got our own landfill site and now, there is a plan from the government to move into somewhere in Vatukoula or Tavua but that is still in discussion stages now.”
