Turaga na Tui Naceva Ratu Jona Nawakalukalu told Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama that Government officials in Vunisea would come up with the excuse that “there’s no money” whenever there was a request for upgrade works in the district.
He raised this during a talanoa with the PM at the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting held at the Ratu Nacagilevu House in Tavuki Village on Kadavu this week.
Ratu Jona raised the issue while seeking answers over the delay in upgrades for the Vunisea to Vunisei road.
He suggested the Government reinstate the Public Works Department and hand them all the road works presently under the Fiji Roads Authority.
“The biggest problem on this island is the roads,” Ratu Jona said.
He said some minor road projects had not been completed, such as the Vunisea to Vunisei thoroughfare.
Ratu Jona said the road conditions were so bad, that they could lead to accidents if not addressed.
“Mr Prime Minister, the officials will tell you things which aren’t good because most of the time, we are told that Government has no money.
“Please speak to your Government officials so people will not receive that kind of response — that there is no money in Government.
“People are told that some road works couldn’t be completed because Government has run out of funds.”
In response, Commissioner Eastern Vitale Varo said the issue had already been discussed prior to the meeting.
“If you come to me, I can reassure you that there is money,” Mr Varo said.
Ratu Jona said the Government should screen their officials in Vunisea to see if they were affiliated with other political parties trying to taint the Government’s image by saying there was no money.
