NADI’s proposed city declaration has been opposed by the Denarau Island community.

This was confirmed by Minister for Local Government and Housing Parveen Kumar while addressing members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry over the weekend.

“Nadi will be 70 years old next year and that’s why we have planned to declare Nadi a city but to do that there is a process involved in terms boundary extension and I can now inform all of you that this process has taken place,” he said.

“The report has been presented to me but unfortunately, we have received some objections from the Denarau community.

“Their objections have been taken into consideration.

“Denarau is part of the extension and there has been an objection submitted to us regarding Denarau’s inclusion.

“I cannot discuss any further because it is a Bill that will be tabled in Parliament for debate.

“This matter is part of a Bill and there is a process involved which we are currently undergoing.”

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dr Ram Raju said the town’s proposed declaration would provide more economic opportunities for the urban centre’s business community.