In 1976, Lautoka, long regarded as the heart of the Western Division, officially came of age, when it was declared the country’s second city.
An article published by The Fiji Times on November 12 that year reported the announcement was made in Suva by then Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara during a news conference, where he congratulated Lautoka on achieving its new status.
The news was met with excitement in the sugar town.
Mayor Councillor Hari Punja said he was thrilled and described the occasion as a proud moment for the people of the city.
He commended the Government for its decision, saying the move recognised the town’s significant contribution to the nation.
Lautoka was the administrative and commercial centre for the Western Division, a region stretching from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and home to 52 per cent of Fiji’s population.
Cr Punja said the town had long played a major role in Fiji’s development. Preliminary census figures earlier that year showed Lautoka’s population at 22,500, surpassing the mandatory 20,000 required.
Cr Punja said the population had doubled over the years, mainly because of the rapid growth in areas such as Drasa and Vitogo.
He said 90 per cent of the roads in the city were tarsealed, adding that the concept of Lautoka becoming a city had been before the town council since 1972, but no application was made to the Government until September of 1976.
Cr Punja said he’d expressed hope the Government would consider making Lautoka the regional headquarters of the West.
He said more government departments should open offices in Lautoka.
