With recommendations made for the swift change in Land Transport Authority board, no comments are forthcoming from the board or LTA.

The Fiji Sun news team yesterday visited board chairman Gregory Lawlor’s home in Lami but was told that he had left for Vanuabalavu, Lau, on Saturday. Repeated calls made to his phone remained unanswered.

The current board members include:

– Alipate Naiorosui: Former chief executive officer of Housing Authority who just joined the board in May;

– Francis Kean: Former Navy Commander, currently Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport.

– Vijay Maharaj: Lawyer

– Tevita Bolanavanua: Former Auditor- General also just joined the board this year.

Mr Bolanavanua said since he was a recent appointee to the Board, he did not wish to comment.

The proposed change in board members comes after a report was made public by the Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, last Friday on the shortcomings at LTA.

During the nationwide consultations, hundreds of complaints were made about the non-availability of Board members.

It was further revealed that members had been sending in their proxies to sit in and make decision during meetings.

“It was noted that board members frequently sent their nominees for meetings who then voted on their behalf without having prior knowledge on the matters being voted on,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum made two recommendations and that is: “In instances where individuals have legitimate reasons for not attending hearings before the board, it is recommended that the board must defer hearing to allow for natural justice.

“To ensure members of the public are informed well prior to hearings before the board, it is recommended that at least three weeks public notice be issued by LTA.”

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