CALLS have been made to the Suva City Council (SCC) special administrator Chandu Umaria to hold open public consultations on his move to cut down historical trees in the city.
An environment activist Patricia Mallam voiced her disappointment saying that Mr Umaria needed to seek the ideas of forestry experts, other stakeholders including historians, cultural heritage and youth groups to make their submissions on whether this was the best possible option for the city of Suva.
She has also written a letter to Mr Umaria and the Department of Forests for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be carried out before the Suva City Council cuts these trees.
Last week, this newspaper published a story on Mr Umaria's plans to cut down trees that were 50, 60 and 100 years old.
Mr Umaria said those trees were way there before him and it was about time that they should be cut down.
Ms Mallam said as educated, knowledgeable humans, it was also everyone's responsibility to explore precautionary measures to ensure the impacts of such occurrences were minimised, if not eliminated.
"The city belongs to everyone, it is only fair that our opinions are taken into consideration and I have no doubt that Mr Umaria will facilitate this in the best interests of the residents of Suva," Ms Mallam said.
She said it was great to see SCC taking proactive measures to ensure that people and their property were safe.
"However, lest we not be too hasty with decisions, the outcomes of which will be irreversible," she said.