Rehabilitation works have begun at Albert Park in Suva following concerns over the condition of the ground after the 70th Hibiscus Festival.

Parts of the park were left muddy after the festival, particularly in the area where amusement rides were located.

The condition of the ground has raised concerns from members of the public, with questions also being raised about the impact of major events on the park.

Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa says the condition of Albert Park is a concern and the Suva City Council needs to ensure the ground is restored to its normal condition.

He says better planning is also needed to prevent future festival activities from damaging the turf.

“I think the way forward now is for the council to have going forward to come up with a better better planning on where shall they hold festivals like that and maybe if they continue to use Albert Park then they need to ensure that they create or maybe upgrade the ground in such a way so that when they hold carnivals the grounds of the turf are not affected because it’s something that that needs to be undertaken”, he said.

Nalumisa says the Council should consider further upgrades to the ground, given its importance as a public recreational space.

He says the issue has also been discussed with other municipal councils, while acknowledging that Albert Park has been in use for some time and requires further upgrading.

The Minister says responsibility for maintaining recreational spaces rests primarily with municipal councils.

He says Government could assist with further upgrades if necessary, but the Ministry is not currently providing funding for the rehabilitation works.

Suva City Council Acting Special Administrator Josaia Gonewai says the Council has begun implementing its rehabilitation plan for Albert Park.

He says the rehabilitation is expected to take one to two months, with work focused on the area where the amusement rides were located during the Hibiscus Festival.

Gonewai says the rides were placed on that side of the park because it is not considered the main section of Albert Park.

The Council says the rehabilitation is aimed at restoring the affected area and ensuring the park is ready for future use.