LAUTOKA City Council board of special administrator’s chairman Taitusi Rasoki says street dwellers who are illegally occupying a spot along Lautoka’s Marine Drive will be removed and be placed in a proper shelter.
Fifteen street dwellers have been living in makeshift shelters while earning an income through the council’s Return-and-Earn initiative whereby five cents is paid for each empty can and plastic bottle collected.
“It (Marine Drive) is a council property, and they are illegally occupying that spot,” he said.
Mr Rasoki said he had organised a meeting last week between the police, the council and the Department of Social Welfare.
“The Social Welfare plays the lead role in removing them from the streets by law.
“The police are the enforcement arm, and the council facilitates the program that is issued by Social Welfare.
“These are the three stakeholders that is supposed to be working together.
“Social Welfare is supposed to be taking the lead role because they are the government department that looks after the welfare of the citizens of this country.”
Mr Rasoki said the council, including the police and Department of Social Welfare would discuss an action plan in a meeting later this week.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Simon Savutini said some of them were also working as security guards at the factory nearby and also earn a living from fishing trips.
“We are street dwellers who are working and struggling to earn an income,” he said.
Mr Savutini said the Return-and-Earn initiative had helped them to become better citizens in keeping the environment clean.
“This is an opportunity for us earning five cents with each empty can and plastic sold to the Lautoka City Council.
“It is our daily living routine, and we request individuals to have understanding and compassion for our lives.
“The work we are doing will ensure to get the city clean for every location in clearing empty bottles and cans.”
Questions have been sent to the Minister of Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
