COMMISSIONER Western Manasa Tagicakibau has dispelled rumours that one of his top officials was suspended.
He said a lot of rumours were circulating claiming Ra provincial administrator Kelepi Kubunameca was relieved of his duties for two weeks.
“One thing that people have to remember is that the Ra provincial team were also victims of this disaster,” Mr Tagicakibau said.
“They were working under a lot of pressure because they had a lot to deal with.
“So I made the decision to give them some time to recuperate and relieve themselves after dealing with a disaster of that magnitude.”
He said the call was made soon after relieving teams were able to enter the cyclone-ravaged town.
“They held the fort for us before we came in and from our initial assessments, we knew they needed to be helped.
“We gave Mr Kubunameca and his team a two-week break from their duties so they can rest.”
“I made the recommendation to Suva and it was approved.
“I want to assure people, especially the people of Ra, that Mr Kubunameca and his team were given time to rest.
“I replaced them with Nadroga Navosa provincial administrator Peni Koro and his team who have been doing their part over the past two weeks.”
He said Mr Kubunameca returned to his duties yesterday.
The Rakiraki Town was also visited by top Government officials yesterday following a stop-over by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
