The state of the infrastructure in the Western Division is an issue Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu will highlight in his report to the Speaker of Parliament.

Following a week-long tour of key stakeholders in the division last week, Mr Seruiratu said the report would highlight challenges faced by various sectors in the region.

“This is the same message that we hear from the Northern Division and here in the West, and one is the state of infrastructure,” he said.

“We understand that we’re just coming out of the rainy season, but the state of the infrastructure is so important.”

Mr Seruiratu said cane access roads needed to be improved, especially with the June 11 start of the new harvesting season.

“You would recall, in the last sitting of Parliament, I raised the issue about preparations for the cane cutting season.

“What are the conditions of cane access roads? There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.

“It is not only the cane access roads, but from the cane fields to the public access road, and then the main routes. That is where FRA and PWD come in as well.”

Mr Seruiratu said he would also raise with specific ministries the standard of government services.

“There are issues in some ministries which should be addressed.

“For instance, we will talk to the Ministry for Rural Development as well about the integrated rural development framework.

“The office of the commissioner has a major role to play in the performance of services in rural areas by respective government ministries.

“So, that is perhaps a challenge.”