Shalend Singh: In every new district of Lautoka, 5% of territory is allocated for sports, recreation

The leadership of Lautoka (Fiji) is implementing a comprehensive approach to the development of the city's sports infrastructure, Shalend Singh, Service Manager of the Lautoka City Council, said during a panel discussion held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Bak, Report informs.

According to Singh, an Olympic pool worth 15 million dollars is planned to be put into operation in Lautoka by the end of this year. "This facility is being created not only for holding competitions, but also for residents to engage in swimming and strengthen their health," he noted.

He emphasized that the development of sports infrastructure has also been firmly established at the level of urban planning standards. "According to urban planning regulations, at least 5% of the territory in each new district must be allocated for recreation and sports areas. We can proudly say that we have built a multifunctional sports ground, created 11 playgrounds within the boundaries of a small city, as well as 111 open public spaces," Singh stated.

The speaker also noted that the city has invested in creating a 1.7-kilometer-long landscaped pedestrian zone equipped with modern lighting and security systems in the central part of Lautoka.

In addition, according to him, the municipal authorities have signed an agreement with the KFCCS organization on the construction of a high-tech sports hall in one of the city's areas. "The organization will use it for four hours a day for its own needs, while during the remaining time the hall will be completely open to city residents," the city council representative emphasized.