Business leader Paul Jaduram has questioned the Government’s true intention to develop Vanua Levu.

Mr Jaduram is the president for Macuata Tourism Association president and chairman for Labasa Ratepayers’ Association.

For years, he has called an overhaul of infrastructure in Vanua Levu.

Yesterday, he held the Government to account for its promise to improve infrastructural improvement this year.

He said Finance Minister Biman Prasad promised that work at Labasa Airport, Vanua Levu, would commence this year.

The toilet, terminal setting, waiting area, ventilation, and car park are plain average, against the standards of Nadi International Airport.

Congestion is the order of business during peak hours, and luggage trolleys need to be replaced, to say the least for one of three Northern airports.

Numerous calls and endless groundbreaking announcements have been made about the upgrade of this airport, but there is nothing to show for it.

Other Government ministers who have visited the North have made similar remarks about the need to improve infrastructure.

Matei Airport in Taveuni, and Savusavu airport, also need upgrade.

“In other airports, they have air condition; why not Labasa?” Mr Jaduram said.

Mr Jaduram is the former mayor for Labasa Town, who made a name in real estate and tourism.

“What have we done to be denied our share of upgrade and infrastructure development?” he said.

“Discussion surrounding the upgrade of this airport has been going on for quite a long time.

“He told us it would start (upgrade) sometime this year.”

“We’re still pleading; we don’t know how much long we will plead.

“Government must consider this if they are serious about their Look North policy.”

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington said while attention was focused on the call for upgrade, the effort of realigning more activity up North included a collaborative effort.

“It’s a hard one to say; it’s something I can’t make a call on,” she said.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj