The number of street dwellers and beggars at the Lautoka bus stand have increased, says Lautoka Market Vendors Association president Filomena O’Neill.
Ms O’Neill said during the Lautoka City Council consultations, the street dwellers loiter at the bus stand and market area.
“What is the council’s stand on the increase in numbers of people on the streets,” she said. “Because the market is attached directly to the bus stand.
“And the area becomes an eyesore, especially in the morning.” Ms O’Neill said nothing concrete had been forthcoming from the Ministry of Social Welfare after consultations with them.
“The blame game has always been with the Fiji Police Force and the enforcement team of the Lautoka City Council.
“What I have noticed is that when the city council calls for a stakeholder meeting such as this, government agencies hardly come to join us.
“We cannot solve problems if they are left out.
“There are issues that need to be raised, and they should be here to answer our questions.”
