Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, has publicly expressed frustration with the sluggishness of civil service processes that have led to project delays. During a recent handover of a multi-ethnic grant, Singh criticized the bureaucratic system, stating that while many projects have secured funding, actual progress has not been made.
Singh admitted to feeling exasperated, mentioning instances of his attempts to obtain data for necessary projects resulted in no response. His comments were particularly directed toward the stalled construction of the Shraad Ghat in Labasa and Lautoka, a significant site for religious practices among Hindus, where rituals involving the scattering of ashes are performed. Singh warned that if the slow pace continues, there’s potential for the project to be scrapped in this financial year.
This criticism aligns with ongoing concerns from other government officials about the effectiveness of project execution in Fiji. Finance Minister Biman Prasad previously highlighted similar frustrations regarding delays in various government-funded initiatives, such as the Lautoka swimming pool and Govind Park. The issues raised by Singh and Prasad suggest a pattern of inefficacies that have plagued governmental projects, underscoring the pressing need for reform in how these initiatives are managed.
Drawing parallels, independent Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has also called for better governance and accountability, emphasizing that improving project implementation is critical to fostering public faith in government institutions and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
In light of these developments, there remains hope that by recognizing and addressing these systemic challenges, the government can pave the way for more effective communication and project execution, ultimately fostering progress that benefits the communities they serve. A more responsive and accountable approach could revitalize public trust and lead to the successful completion of vital infrastructure projects in Fiji.
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