Some people were paid to oppose re-zoning of Shirley Park in Lautoka - Parveen Bala

Minister for Employment Parveen Bala claimed in parliament that he was told that some people were paid to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources to oppose the re-zoning of Shirley Park in Lautoka.

Bala made this comment while speaking on the motion that Parliament debates the review report on the petition to not re-zone Shirley Park.              

He says that people also made allegations that he had sold Lautoka City to Tappoos.

Bala says that in recent times with meetings with FIFA and World Rugby, they have rated Churchill Park as the best.

SODELPA MP, Ro Teimumu Kepa says that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama recently said that he is alarmed at the recent reports of environmental protection breaches in the country.

She also questioned if Bainimarama will prosecute any member of the Government if they cause environmental degradation.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says when the Shirley Park land was reclaimed, it was to contribute to civic development and it was never meant for a park.

Opposition MP, Niko Nawaikula who had submitted the petition claimed that half of Shirley Park has been cordoned off.

However, the Government says that it is just quarter of the park.

The re-zoning will include a 142 room hotel, a children’s park and a mini golf course.

Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says that people of Lautoka are proud of the development.

He says that the new hotel at the minimum will provide jobs to 80 people.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the developer has paid their rent five years in advance.

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