SOME rural areas in Ra Province have yet to be connected to the electricity grid despite the launch of the rural electrification program there.
On a tour of the West this week, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said he would relay this concern from the community to the relevant ministries.
“The rural electrification (project) went to the interior of Ra,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“But it’s the same story as well, the grid line has been brought to the communities, but then there’s no connectivity. The wiring has yet to be done in most of the homes.
“And the other question is, in some places, wiring is partly done, there are only two or three houses, and then the contractors probably moved to other places.”
Mr Seruiratu also highlighted the challenges municipal councils face.
“I appreciated the opportunity to sit with small councils like Rakiraki, who have very limited income generation, particularly from the ratepayers.
“It’s quite a challenge to run the council, given there are so many services that they have to provide and the limitations they have in terms of finances. And now there is talk about municipal council elections.
“So, through discussions and the deliberations we had with the administrators, CEOs as well, I’m able to know more about their operations and would like to contribute better as well when opportunities do come within Parliament.”
