Roads, water and housing issues dominate Lomaiviti Council meeting

A range of longstanding infrastructure and service issues were raised with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting today.

During an open dialogue session, provincial representatives highlighted concerns affecting their respective villages, including poor road conditions, water supply shortages, deteriorating jetties and amenities, Police quarters in need of repair, and inadequate water and electricity supply to civil servants’ housing.

Several district representatives said these were issues communities had faced for many years without viable solutions.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said some of the concerns raised had already received approval from the Prime Minister.

“These provincial council meetings are basically to monitor developments, resolutions and what actions have been taken,” Mr Turaga said.

“To the people of Lomaiviti, the Prime Minister has already approved land arrangements for the people of Levuka to lease native land to build accommodation for civil servants, and this is a serious issue in Levuka.”

Mr Turaga also referred to concerns raised over an abandoned Police barracks in Levuka.

“A question was asked regarding a Police barrack that has been left abandoned for a couple of years, so the officer in charge in Levuka said he will make his visit and I will also follow up with the Minister,” he said.

The meeting is expected to continue tomorrow with discussions on financial matters, technology, drugs, education and the economy.