Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Avinesh Pillay says priority should be given to fixing roads and essential infrastructure rather than proceeding with municipal elections.
Mr Pillay said funds allocated for the polls would be better directed towards urgent public works that directly benefit communities and businesses.
“We have to fix roads first before the elections – this is where the funds should go,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing public debate over the deferment of municipal elections, which had been widely anticipated for September after years without elected town and city councils.
Mr Pillay said municipal councils were currently being effectively managed by special administrators and chief executive officers.
“The CEOs are doing a good job, the Government has taken a good step,” he said.
He said rising fuel prices and broader economic pressures made it difficult for Government to commit large spending to elections at this time.
“With the rise in the price of fuel, it is out of the Government’s control. Every month, there will be a price increase.”
