A heated exchange erupted between Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Rakiraki businessman George Shiu Raj during a 2022-2023 Budget consultation in Rakiraki yesterday.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum accused Mr Raj of having a political agenda after the business mogul raised an issue of alleged wastage in roadworks costs.
During the exchange, Mr Raj claimed money had been wasted on the rehabilitation of a road in Gallau, Rakiraki.
“To control wastage is very important,” said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.
“But to have a political agenda to say to reduce the budget for the FRA (Fiji Roads Authority) is very silly.”
Mr Raj interjected and said those were not his words.
“You said they’re getting too much, they are recording this, you said too much,” replied Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.
“You said too much, anyway, I don’t lie. “When you talked about the wastage on that road, you haven’t seen the books, you don’t even if they did a bad job and had to redo it at their own cost.
“You do not know that and should not make statements without getting the facts right.
“You said millions of dollars was lost, how do you know that? “You have raised this, and the staff are here, and we will get back to you.
“Next time I drive past your house, I will give you a phone call.” Yesterdays consultation in Rakiraki was the last one before the announcement of the budget on July 15.
