Opposition Member Ketan Lal is demanding the immediate resignation or removal of the Minister for Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau after the collapse of the Vuniyasi Bridge in Nadi on Monday and the deterioration of other bridges, roads and basic utilities.
Lal says the collapse of Vuniyasi Bridge is yet another glaring example of the government’s utter failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of Fijians.
He says four people nearly lost their lives while the communities are now without access to vital roads and this is all because of negligence and inaction.
Lal criticized that for two years, the Fiji Roads Authority and the Public Works Department have been in disarray under the watch of this government.
He says despite big budgets and long-winded speeches, infrastructure is crumbling before our eyes.
The MP asks how many more lives need to be put at risk before the government acts responsibly.
Lal says all they see is the Minister wearing reflector vests and posing for photos while nothing meaningful is being done, and this level of incompetence is unacceptable.
He says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should reshuffle the Cabinet and get the right people for the job.
The MP says the Minister responsible for infrastructure has failed to ensure proactive maintenance, oversight and investment where it matters most.
Meanwhile, the FRA confirmed that they are aware of the Vuniyasi Bridge incident and have launched a preliminary investigation.
They assure that a detailed update will be provided once the investigation is complete.
We have sent questions to Ro Filipe and the Office of the Prime Minister.
