THE Suva City Council special administrator Chandu Umaria has clarified that historical trees in the capital city will only be cut or trimmed upon advice from the Department of Forests or the University of the South Pacific (USP).
Mr Umaria's comments follow recent criticism in response to an article first raised by The Fiji Times regarding the preservation of landmark trees in the city, most of which were about 100 years old.
Contrary to his earlier statements that the old trees would have to be felled because it posed a threat to properties and peoples' lives, yesterday he said expert opinion would be sought.
"We will seriously look at all the trees in the Suva area and the council has contacted Prof Randy Thaman of USP who is an expert in plants and trees," Mr Umaria said.
"We will decide on what steps to take once we receive Prof Thaman's advice," he said.