City Parks Amenities Concern Residents

Children’s parks remain a key amenity in the city area; however, residents in some suburbs in Suva are not happy with the maintenance of some parks. Samabula’s Komo Park is considered an iconic landmark in Suva. This children’s park has existed for more than 60 years. Residents are not happy with the way the amenities are left to deteriorate before any

action is taken.

Leroy Brown, 38, of Ono Street, said he grew up playing at the park.

“When we were small we used to play on the slides and swings and all my children play at the children’s park. At an older age we graduate to bigger spaces to play soccer or rugby,” he said.

“The situation has always been the same. Equipment is put in the playing area, there is no maintenance. Sometimes, for years, the children will have to make do with broken, rusted and dangerous equipment.” Arun Prasad, who lives just across the park, shared the same concerns.

“The equipment should be looked after. If it is maintained then we would not need a new one,” he said.

“My other concern is that people use the park as a venue to drink alcohol. “This happens close to the children’s park area and this could be hazardous to children.”

Parks in the city area with deteriorating facilities include Suva Point and the park along Ratu Sukuna Road.

The Suva City Council is responsible for the maintenance of the park. Municipal councils across the country have been allocated $490,000 in the national budget for the upgrade of children’s parks. According to SCC, they have a maintenance plan and all parks will be given attention. Edited by Susana Tuilau