NFP to move a motion for an inquiry into the conduct and operations of Local Government

The National Federation Party says it will move a motion in the next Parliamentary sitting later this month for a parliamentary inquiry into the conduct and operations of Local Government following widespread reports and allegations of nepotism, cronyism and mismanagement.

NFP President Pio Tikoduadua says following the parliamentary inquiry and the tabling of the findings in Parliament in November, the Government must return power to the people in the municipalities by facilitating local government elections in the 13 municipalities.

Tikoduadua says it is abundantly clear that operations of town and city councils have been micro-managed by the Local Government Ministers in office since the dissolution of the Councils in 2009.

He adds the disrespectful manner in which the Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar ended the terms of the Special Administrators upon expiration of their terms raises more critical questions about the Minister’s motive.

Tikoduadua goes on to say the reality of the matter is that Kumar’s arrogant and radical approach has dampened the spirit in local government.

Meanwhile, SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka says the micro-management of municipalities around the country by the FijiFirst government indicates its desperation for power to maintain their “my way or the highway” style of governance.

Gavoka says last Friday, Kumar met with the Special Administrators and thanked them for working tirelessly over the last two years to bring better governance and institutional reforms.

He says they have been hearing about these so-called reforms since 2009, but to date, nothing has eventuated.

Gavoka adds the Ministry of Local Government has been headed by at least four different Cabinet Minister’s since the 2014 elections all promising reforms.

He says SODELPA has been advocating for municipal elections since 2014 and they reiterate this call today.

When asked for a response yesterday, Premila Kumar told us that she has not seen the statement from the NFP.

We have sent her the statements from the NFP and SODELPA and are awaiting her response.