Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Praveen Bala has questioned Minister for Sports Jese Saukuru regarding the controversial proposal to transfer municipal sporting facilities to the Fiji Sports Council (FSC). During a recent Parliamentary session, Bala argued that instead of pursuing this transfer, Saukuru should focus on properly maintaining the existing facilities, many of which have fallen into disrepair.
Bala highlighted specific concerns about the condition of the HFC Stadium pitch, where rugby fans expressed dissatisfaction over the dry, brown ground during last Saturday’s test match between Fiji and Scotland. Observers noted that the surface was not up to international standards, raising alarms about its suitability for high-profile events.
The context of these discussions reveals that hosting back-to-back events at the HFC Stadium was previously discouraged by past FSC administrations. Nonetheless, recent scheduling conflicts allowed for both the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup and the rugby match to take place in quick succession, complicating maintenance efforts. Stakeholders expressed unease over how ground conditions were being prioritized amid these overlapping bookings.
Bala, who has held the position of Minister for Sports in the past, stressed that neither Saukuru nor the FSC has the authority to take control of properties funded by municipal councils, as many of these facilities were developed through the contributions of ratepayers without government support. “These grounds should never get bad,” Bala stated, emphasizing the community’s investment and involvement in establishing local sporting venues.
This call for accountability is underscored by ongoing dialogues about enhancing sports infrastructure in Fiji. While the current situation may seem fraught with challenges, it ultimately represents a pivotal moment for sports governance in the country. There is potential for this dialogue to lead to improvements in facility management, ensuring that both rugby and football can thrive, as the nation prepares for significant upcoming sporting events.
Positive developments are also in the air as discussions around infrastructure enhancements continue. If stakeholders can work collaboratively to address these concerns, it could herald a new era for Fiji’s sports culture, promoting both community pride and international recognition. Continuing to focus on athletes and facility improvement could foster a more vibrant sporting environment for future generations.
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