Acting Permanent Secretary for Local Government Shaheen Ali has reminded Municipal Councils’ Chief Executive Officers (CEO) to take ownership of the sustainable development and future of their respective towns and cities.

Speaking at the Municipal Councils CEO Forum at the Civic Centre in Suva on Friday, Mr Ali said it was important for municipal councils to have ideas that would benefit their towns and cities.

“For our town and cities to become smart, modern, and organised, you need to ensure town planning schemes are current, in tune with the growth and vision of your municipalities,” Mr Ali said.

“The Local Government Committee and Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) can assist in reviewing your schemes and boundaries. This isn’t a one- agency job. The guidance of municipal councils is critical.”

Mr Ali said he had met the Local Government Committee and it was disappointing that municipal councils were still not identifying growth areas or boundaries that needed to be extended.

Investments

Mr Ali said it was important for municipal councils to move towards improving the ease of doing business and catalyzing investment.

“CEO’s, it becomes your responsibility to ensure that not only you, but your teams are fully aware of our national policies and reforms. As conduits for business activity, inside or outside town boundaries, municipal councils need to play a facilitative role in fostering investments,” he said.

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