The Lautoka City Council has begun a vegetation management exercise along Vitogo Parade, with nine Royal Palm trees scheduled for removal after being identified as potential safety risks.
In a statement, the Council said the initiative forms part of its ongoing commitment to public safety and environmental sustainability.
Following a detailed assessment of 217 Royal Palm trees along the parade, nine were found to be affected by termite damage, hollow trunks, structural weakness and other conditions that could endanger the public.
“Following a detailed assessment of 217 Royal Palm trees along the parade, 9 trees have been identified for removal due to termite damage, hollow trunks, structural weakness, and other conditions that may pose a risk to public safety,” the Council said.
The affected trees will be replaced with younger and healthier Royal Palm trees to preserve the area’s appearance and character.
“These trees will be removed and replaced with younger, healthy Royal Palm trees to maintain the beauty, safety, and character of the area,” the statement added.
Council teams began work today by clearing encroaching Vaivai trees, while the removal and replacement of the identified Royal Palm trees is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
The Council assured residents that tree removals are only carried out after careful assessment and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
“The Council wishes to assure the public that tree removal is undertaken strictly on a case-by-case basis,” the statement said.
“Particular attention is given to Royal Palm, Flame, and Vaivai trees that have been assessed as damaged, diseased, structurally compromised, or posing a risk to pedestrians, motorists, and nearby properties.”
The Council also confirmed that relevant agencies, including the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, will be consulted where necessary before any tree is removed.
“Relevant agencies, including the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, will be consulted where necessary before any tree is removed,” the statement said.
Council officials emphasized that the exercise is not aimed at reducing green spaces but at ensuring public safety while maintaining Lautoka’s urban landscape.
“Every tree removed will be replaced as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing Lautoka’s urban greenery for future generations,” the statement said.
The vegetation management programme is expected to improve safety along one of Lautoka’s most prominent waterfront corridors while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the city’s tree population.
