Ministry is working to instill good governance in city councils – FBC News

Minister of Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa (Source: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji/Facebook)

Minister of Local Government and Housing, Maciu Nalumisa, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to instill good governance in the 13 municipal councils, with particular emphasis on updating their financial statements.

Speaking in Parliament on Nadi City Council’s 2016 report, Nalumisa noted that councils, including Nadi City Council, have committed to finalizing pending financial reports and submitting them for audit by the end of the year.

To date, 37 reports have been sent to the Auditor General and 50 more are ready for submission.

Nalumisa highlighted key recommendations to the Nadi City Council, including upgrading Prince Charles Park to attract international teams and renaming it King Charles Park in line with changes in the British monarchy.

“The Ministry seeks to ensure that future expansion serves the best interests of both the municipality and its residents, improving service delivery and ensuring equitable development across Nadi. And also regarding the Council’s close cooperation with the government and donor partners on the Nadi flood mitigation project. I think it’s a very important exercise.”

Additionally, Nalumisa stressed the need to expand the city limits, provide adequate services and address flood-related challenges, especially by collaborating on the Nadi flood mitigation project.

An important issue raised was the need to create a new waste storage project in the Western Branch, the plans of which are being reviewed by the Council of Ministers.

Other initiatives discussed include improving waste management, reintroducing a challenge fund for capital projects and implementing a strategy to collect outstanding municipal rates.

Nalumisa expresses confidence in the continued cooperation between the Ministry and the Nadi City Council to ensure the progress and development of the city.