This Govt has done more than any other Govt to improve services in rural areas - PM

Prime Minister and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Voreqe Bainimarama says Members of the Opposition have an affection to falsely accuse the Government repeatedly of weakening iTaukei institutions however the audit reports on Provincial Councils set the record straight.

Bainimarama says reforms introduced by the FijiFirst Government contrary to the misguided perceptions of the opposition have actually strengthened governance of the iTaukei institutions such as the Provincial Councils.

He says as the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, he is constantly updated on the progress made with respect to the clearance of Provincial Councils’ audit backlogs.

SODLEPA MP Suliano Matanitobua who served as the Assistant Minister for Fijian Affairs under the Qarase-led government from 2001 to 2006 says it is disappointing, the audit work remains outstanding and trusts every effort will be made to ensure the completion of this long outstanding work.

Matanitobua says the Fijian Affairs Board which is now known as iTaukei Affairs Board had approved that the backlog in audit regarding Provincial Council accounts has to be completed by the end of 2008.