OPPOSITION MP Sachida Nand has challenged the Coalition Government to “put their money where their mouth is” and resolve drainage issues plaguing the country.
In response to a statement by Minister for Waterways Vatimi Rayalu in Parliament this week, Mr Nand said no government, either previously or now, had done as much for drainage as the FijiFirst government.
He claimed the reestablishment of the Drainage Board was just a promise being fulfilled and had created jobs for old supporters and cronies “so that they can come and sit in the board”.
“In 16 months, how much have you done,” he questioned.
“So, put your money where your mouth is and get the drains intact. Do not create boards just to show the public that you are doing duties. Get the drainage issues solved, get the flood issues resolved.”
Mr Nand also said the FijiFirst had a reason for abolishing the Drainage Board as in previous years, these boards only looked after their own areas and did not concentrate on the holistic approach.
“For example, if a board in Lakena is appointed, they will only look at the drainage in Lakena. What it does to the water or drainage in the other areas, whether it gets flooded or not, is not their concern.
“That is why the Ministry of Waterways was set up, to look at the holistic approach and that was what we were doing. The setting up of the Drainage Board is duplication of duties — we have the Ministry of Waterways and then we have the Drainage Board.
“Is the ministry not capable of doing its own work.”
He also questioned whether freshwater management was also a key part of the drainage system and what plans the Drainage Board had for the Northern Division.
“On the drainage waterways, where is the demarcation of boundaries? There are town council drains, road drains, FSC drains and there are agricultural drains.
“Will the Drainage Board look after all these drains, or is the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways going to look after the other areas and the Drainage Board is only looking after the rural and agricultural drains.
“Do not create boards just to show the public that you are doing duties. Get the drainage issues solved, get the flood issues resolved.”
