So much wisdom, knowledge and experience in our communities in terms of sharing ideas – Prof Prasad

There is so much wisdom, knowledge and experience that our people, our institution and our communities can share in terms of ideas.

This was stated by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad during the budget consultations at North Wind Hotel in Labasa.

Professor Prasad expressed his gratitude to the public and those that attended the consultation because some fantastic ideas were addressed.

He says he is very happy with some thoughtful issues that have been raised and a very clear exposition of ideas and reasoning behind some of them.

Professor Prasad says the idea of bypass roads is a practical suggestion and the Fiji Roads Authority shall be asked about making that a possibility and the government will make sure they do their part as well.

He says the river dredging is also one of the issues that the government is looking at addressing as there was no proper idea of when was the last time it was last done.

He adds we need to look at the causes of all this flooding as sometimes a small amount of rain causes flash flooding in some areas.

The Acting Prime Minister says rural roads are another issue that the government is working together with the FRA to address as there will be significant funding allocation for the FRA.

He says the government is also looking at bringing back PWD as a transitional step towards making sure that rural roads receive great attention.

Professor Prasad says the government has heard a lot of stories about cane access roads as well as the partnership that existed before was broken and there was no link.

He further says that is why they are bringing back elected growers' councillors just as they will bring back town and city councillors so that there is an interface between ratepayers and their concerns.

He further says listening to people who do matter in those areas is important and they will do that as a government.