Fiji Roads Authority CEO Kamal Prasad says there have been some speculations that FRA’s future is bleak, but it is business as usual as Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau has reassured all contractors, staff, and the public at large that all projects by the FRA will continue.
Prasad made the comments after meeting the Minister yesterday.
Ro Filipe has also acknowledged the work carried out by FRA so far.
He says there is a need for infrastructure for economic development and to look at the needs of the poor, those that are in the lower rungs of society and their needs are very basic such as small roads or small bridges to enable them to have a liveable standard of living.
Ro Filipe has reassured the staff that in their manifesto, they have been saying that they will bring back Public Works Department but that does not mean they will do away with the Fiji Roads Authority.
He says whatever happens, the coalition government will always put forefront the interest of the workers, and for him as a Minister, he will tread very carefully in moving forward.
The Minister says he will not just come in and change, but will do things for a reason, especially to improve efficiency and effectiveness and what would be the most optimum way of doing things with the limited budget.
The Minister also thanked the donor partners for being on standby and has assured the staff that he will be working closely with the Permanent Secretary and the CEO in terms of infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, Prasad says they had a fruitful discussion with the Minister on the way forward.
He says the Minister has reassured the staff that their interest will be put first and the FRA and the PWD can coexist and complement each other’s work.
Prasad says the Minister straight after the meeting with the FRA management went to the Finance Minister to secure additional funds for the remainder of the financial year.
The CEO adds the FRA achieves physical work worth $35 million per month and in addition to the normal works, they execute emergency response works worth $20 to 30 million every year.
