BETTER communication could be established between municipal councils and the Fiji Roads Authority for the repair of the damaged road network in urban areas, says Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu.
While engaging municipal councils in the Western Division last month, Mr Seruiratu said these key infrastructure upgrades needed to be raised by concerned municipal council heads.
“That is something that has been raised with me, particularly from the special administrators and the chief executive officer of Tavua municipality, but I think it’s just more of a planning and communication issue on who’s responsible for what, particularly in terms of prioritisation,” he said.
“FRA has the plans on what needs to be done within the town boundaries when it comes to roads and footpaths and so forth, but then the council has its own priorities as well which they think should be considered by FRA.
“To me it’s not really a big issue, it’s just about synchronisation of the plans and, most importantly agreeing on the priorities.
“It does exist, but it can be easily resolved if prior consultations are made before such projects are implemented within municipal boundaries.”
Mr Seruiratu says the Nadi Town Council also faces issues of resources.
Mr Seruiratu cited the example of the Ministry of Local Government.
“The funds are given to the ministry, but then Nadi expects some of these trucks, or whatever it is, for their operations, but the ministry is delaying it for whatever reason.”
