It would be good if municipal councils can look after their ratepayers after a Cyclone - Seruiratu

Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu says it would have been good if municipal councils had some emergency plan to look after their ratepayers after Cyclone Ana as people are paying rates to the councils.

Seruiratu says unfortunately this is not happening and the whole reliance is on government to provide immediate relief and this is where they have to prioritise relief efforts.

He has made these comments as areas like Noadamu which fall within the Labasa Town boundary was not getting water supply after Cyclone Ana as five water treatment facilities had suffered damages.

Seruiratu says the Disaster Act 1998 which is under review only has responsibilities for the central government and communities and there is nothing in the Act about the responsibilities of the local government.

He says this is something that needs to be addressed.

Seruiratu adds local government is an important stakeholder and should have responsibilities to look after their ratepayers.