OPPOSITION MP Premila Kumar has accused the Government of rebranding and repackaging FijiFirst projects in a bid to claim credit for work already completed under the previous administration.
While delivering (virtually) her statement during the budget debate in Parliament last week, she claimed the Government is misleading the public by relaunching existing initiatives instead of introducing original solutions.
“They are good at repackaging and rebranding FijiFirst projects to give the impression that they are doing something for taxpayers,” Ms Kumar said.
She said this trend reflects the “microwaving” of policies originally conceptualised by the FijiFirst government.
Providing examples, Ms Kumar pointed out projects such as the upgrades of informal settlements at Cuvu, Ledrusasa and Waidamudamu.
“These were FijiFirst initiatives from start to finish,” Ms Kumar said.
“The only thing left was the issuing of the leases. Not even once, was the last government acknowledged when the leases were issued out. It appeared as if it was all done by this government.
“The Housing Authority had already prepared land for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) housing project under the public-private partnership model, yet in the budget, they proudly announced that they will deliver 2900 residential lots.
“These lots were already part of FijiFirst’s plans for strata apartments which they have now abandoned, despite the Honourable Prasad campaigning on a promise to invest $200million a year into quality housing by diverting funds from road projects. All of these are on record.”
Ms Kumar also mentioned the business NOWFIJI platform, which she claimed was a FijiFirst achievement relaunched by this government.
“Same tool, same system, just a fresh ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Why? Because this government was desperate to convince its voters that they were doing something for them, but a government that relies on re-packaging others’ work, is not leading, it is merely trailing behind.”
