The newly appointed Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Premila Kumar started her official tour of the Central Municipal Councils and Government Statutory Organisations last week.

The Minister visited the Housing Authority, Public Rental Board and Suva City Council, where she met Board members, chief executive officers and Management teams of these various organizations. The visit, which was a familiarisation tour, enabled Ms Kumar to understand the roles, functions and operations of these organisations in depth.

“These meetings were important as it not only gave me the opportunity to meet with the staff, but to also know and understand their core duties,” said Ms Kumar.

The Minister added that it was also an opportunity to discuss ways in which the Government, Municipal Councils and Statutory bodies could work together to effectively and efficiently deliver their services to the people.

“One of the areas which was discussed at great length, was changing internal processes and having them digitised. In this modern era, a lot of things have been digitised and it makes one’s work a lot faster and easier”

“This is pivotal when it comes to improving business licensing, ease of doing business and providing the support needed for the establishment and operation of small businesses. Thus, the need to move with this digital era, if we want to be on top of things,” Ms Kumar said.

During these visits, the Minister was also briefed on the Customer Grievance Handling mechanisms that were in place, asset management practices and status of capital projects work, which are currently in progress.

Mr Kumar also visited Lami Town Council on Monday where she handed over a new compactor truck and will later visit Nasinu and Nausori Town Councils, where similar areas of discussions will be held. The Minister will also visit major Municipal Council projects funded by the Government where construction works are in progress.

The Minister will be accompanied by a team of senior officials from both the Ministry of Local Government and the Department of Town and Country Planning.

Source: DEPTFO News

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