Maharaj calls for urgent local government elections

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj is calling on the Ministry of Local Government to hold local government elections as soon as possible due to the disconnect between the Department of Local Government and the municipality.

While speaking during the debate on Nausori Town Council annual report from 2016 to 2018, Maharaj says this disconnect is a major concern.

He also highlighted issues regarding the appointments of special administrators.

Maharaj also says when municipal councils appear before the Public Accounts Committee, they often refer matters to the Department of Local Government and the Minister responsible but when the Department is questioned, they say the councils are independent and must manage their own affairs.

Maharaj further says for past two years, there has been no major development in Nausori Town Council and he says he really does not know what the special administrators are doing.

The government has indicated that the local government elections are likely to be held around September or October this year.

Opposition MP Viam Pillay also raised concerns regarding the looming expiration of Ratu Cakobau Park’s lease in 2028 and on its condition.

He asks what happens if the lease is not renewed and if the government will step in to secure it.

Pillay says the future of the park must be treated as a priority and the Government needs to act decisively.

Assistant Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel says the total municipal council's arrears is around $79.8 million, out of which Nausori Town Council has accumulated arrears of $5.1 million, which is quite a large figure for a small municipality.

He says majority of the default rate payers are residential owners.

Immanuel says the government has assisted Nousori Town Council from 2024-2025 with a budget allocation of approximately $2.8 million to assist the Council.

He says the Ministry of Finance remains committed to ensuring that the council utilises its budgetary allocation efficiently and effectively, particularly in areas of importance such as waste management, infrastructure, service delivery and disaster recovery.

Immanuel further says from 2016 to 2018, among other issues, proper accounting records were not maintained, sufficient and appropriate evidence could not be provided, properties were not disclosed separately and no outstanding invoices were given to the auditors, including no appropriate reconciliation and supporting documents.

Immanuel says this was done by the previous administration but now they have a new management and the Permanent Secretary and the Minister are considering the issues that were raised by the Auditor General, including putting extra funding and effort to clear the outstanding issues left behind by the previous administration.