SAVUSAVU Town is far from a state of decay and is still the Hidden Paradise of Fiji, says special administrator Doreen Robinson.

Responding to National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad’s views of the town which was highlighted in this newspaper recently, she said the doom and gloom portrayed by Prof Prasad was far from fair.

“While there is no doubt about the fact that the current administrators did inherit a multitude of mismanagement problems from the past, there is clear indication that the Hidden Paradise is making a comeback,” she said.

“As a primarily tourist township, it has managed to stay afloat in spite of COVID-19 and continues to do so.

“We have declined to address the political arguments Prof Prasad made but we have taken strong issue with the facts behind the article and we are always open to suggestions and indeed criticism.”

Mrs Robinson said Prof Prasad’s comments on the increased garbage fees from $24 to $82 per annum for commercial properties reflected irresponsible commentary because it boiled down to $7 a month to collect this garbage.

“The state of disrepair of the garbage compactor and backhoe were also inherited problems placed on the backburner because of financial constraints. It is the council’s intention to get it back on the road in due course. The market situation is carefully considered within the confines of practical and financial possibilities.”