Potholes pose a threat
Potholes on our roads today are posing many threats not only to vehicles but to people as well. The Fiji Times 24/06 reported that a man was going through a second surgery at the CWM Hospital after he tripped into a pothole in Nasinu. How bad are our road conditions, that not only vehicles get damaged, but people get injured when tripping into huge potholes. KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE
Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Road humps
From Naqara town to Lamini Village on Taveuni, there are 16 humps. That’s probably $336k. In Naidi Village in Savusavu, there are four. That’s probably $84k. While I support the need for humps to cut off the speed, I don’t support the cost. Sharif Shah Savusavu
Marijuana issue
Referring to the Attorney-General’s comment on legalising cannabis. We do not and should not be legalising the marijuana strain of cannabis, but instead we should legalise the hemp strain of cannabis. How do we tell the difference? Hemp grows wild and is a tall thin tree (up to 20ft) with no buds, and the leaves are thin and skinny. Marijuana is a short bushy shrub with buds and the leaves are thicker and needs a more controlled environment and has 5-35 per cent THC (the chemical that gets you high). You can’t get high from hemp no matter how much you smoke it. Hemp on the hand can replace our flailing sugar industry as it is easier to plant and manage and grows quicker than sugar cane with less maintenance. Of the 25,000 products that can be made out of hemp like textiles, paper, fuel, plant-based biodegradable plastics, medication etc., can you imagine our exports and GDP growth? Our garment industry would skyrocket with the manufacture and export of hemp clothing. I say legalise hemp and let’s get our economy back up to where it should be. Capt Johnathan Smith Lami
Imperfect governments
I read in The Fiji Times (04/07), “No government is perfect and we will always notice its flaws, which by pointing it out, we help to correct!”. 1987, 2000 and 2006? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Resurrection of SODELPA
Finally some substance has come out of SODELPA’s suspension! While Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Ratu Jone Lesuma make great acting vice presidents, Emele Duituturaga most certainly brings in the much-needed professionalism and makes a perfect general secretary. Now find a new leader and get on with business! It’s the only way forward! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Massive destruction
There is massive mangrove destruction at the Denarau South multi-million dollar development which has now come to a halt for more than a year and for all those interested one can only go to Google to see this massive man-made disaster. I took a drive with my brothers, sisters and uncles from Navatulevu Village on Denarau road to go fishing and crab netting last week where we were taken by surprise with the massive uncontrolled cutting and demolition of mangroves right in front of our back yard. These have been part of the specific area’s biodiversity for hundreds of years, but it is now completely ruined. I would like to encourage the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Waterways Dr Reddy including the Director of Environment and the permanent secretary Joseph Wycliffe to please take time out and visit this area where you will also be subjected to the ugly sight of dumped abandoned hazardous excavators, trucks, bulldozers and heaps of old tyres and abandoned small buildings where it has now virtually become a convenient dumping site. The Minister for Lands Jone Usamate should also make an effort to visit the site with the environment department and why not the Minister for Urban Development Town and Country Planning Premila Kumar who I believe must also make it a point to examine the development. It is in a very rundown sad state of affairs and warrants a total clean-up What do we tell our great-grandchildren or is it the I do not care attitude because I will be dead, long gone then? Tukai Lagonilakeba Namaka, Nadi
Road program
THE FRA must be well into its revised road rehabilitation program by now. We are told that it’s a change from the quick fix road and pothole repair works. How’s that working out so far? I’m sure the unusual continuous heavy rain has not helped at all. All it does is to hide the depth of the growing population
of potholes and delaying works. I really hope that we will soon say adios, adieu, farewell and ni sa moce (vakadua saraga) to those pesky potholes. Reality check! We may, most likely still be saying Au revoir, ’til we meet again soon and sota tale (ena veisiga). Garage mechanics included! EDWARD BLAKELOCK
Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Those pictures
IN one picture our PM looked very tired and Simon Hazelman wanted him to have a rest at one of our
resorts. In another picture we can see him about to shadow spar (sparring partner) Rosy Akbar. I am so happy for our Government I believe they are able to work and play at the same time. SUKHA SINGH
Labasa
