Naidu Raises Concerns Over Albert Park Condition After Hibiscus Festival

Prominent Suva lawyer Richard Naidu has raised concerns over the condition of Albert Park following the Hibiscus Festival, questioning whether the iconic public space is being properly protected and maintained.

In a post on his Facebook profile, Naidu recalled how, in decades gone by, the Hibiscus Festival, with its Ferris wheels, food stalls and fairground activities, would regularly leave Albert Park resembling a “mud bath”, damaging the turf for weeks or even months.

He pointed to the major redevelopment of Albert Park in 2016, which he said cost nearly $20 million and involved raising the ground, installing a proper drainage system and laying new grass.

Naidu said the improvements were intended to ensure Suva had a park that could be used throughout the year for sport, recreation and family activities.

He said it was therefore sensible that the Hibiscus Festival fairgrounds were no longer hosted on the park in the same manner as they had been in previous years.

However, after observing the condition of Albert Park following this year’s festival, Naidu questioned whether the progress made through the redevelopment was now being undermined.

“So – how are we doing in 2026? Not much green in this after-festival photo,” Naidu said.

He also questioned whether enough was being done to properly maintain the grounds and the drainage infrastructure.

“Or just going back to whatever we used to do and hoping for the best?” he asked.

His concerns have renewed attention on the need to balance the use of Albert Park for major public events with the long-term protection and maintenance of one of Suva’s most important sporting and recreational spaces.