Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Kumar has urged the Government to instruct the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to swiftly establish a formal agreement that was previously reached between the Rakiraki Town Council and the miller concerning the FSC ground. Speaking during the debate on the Rakiraki Town Council’s Annual Report for 2019, Mr. Kumar highlighted that the FSC ground, which encompasses the golf course, was earlier allocated to the council. He criticized the Coalition Government for not formalizing this agreement.
“This delay is unacceptable to the Rakiraki Town Council and the residents of Rakiraki,” Mr. Kumar stated. He emphasized the necessity for the Government to mandate the FSC to promptly finalize the agreement made years ago. He noted that aside from the facilities of the Sports Council in Rakiraki, there are no other grounds available, making this the only option for the community.
Mr. Kumar recalled that the Bainimarama administration had successfully negotiated with the FSC in the past, resulting in the transfer of the ground and golf course to the council. In response, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa mentioned that they are currently consulting with the Ministry of Sugar regarding the situation.
“There are discussions underway, as previously mentioned by Mr. Bala (Mr. Kumar), and we are liaising and consulting with the Ministry of Sugar about the possibility of the council leasing the FSC sports ground,” Mr. Nalumisa said. He added that one of the council’s plans, if granted the lease by the FSC, is to enhance the area into a quality sports ground for both the residents of Rakiraki and the broader community of Ra.