Levuka’s special administrator Mr Napolioni Masirewa fells the old capital needs more economic activities because of its small numbers of ratepayers.
Mr Masirewa in his briefing to the British Ambassador Mr Mac Mclachlan, highlighted that Levuka with a population of 2403 had only 256 ratepayers.
“Far too much has been said of Levuka’s historical significance but it is rarely matched by the activities and project development that is implemented to suit Levuka’s status. Governance of Levuka is beyond the capacity of the local town council with its limited ratepayer base,”Mr Masirewa said.
He said a local government review in 2008 had recommended a formula to assist Levuka Town Council, unfortunately this had yet to be realised.
Mr Masirewa told the British envoy that Levuka needs more economic diversity in order to realise its true potential.
At the moment there are four hotel accommodation, six restaurants, two banks, four taxi stands, two hardware stores, four supermarkets, 10 retail stores , three internet cafe and one fish canning factory in Levuka.
Mr Masirewa said the need for more economic diversity in Levuka should also be emphasized and not just its heritage and conservation alone.
The Special Administrator hosted lunch for the British Ambassador during Fiji Day celebrations in the old capital.
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