Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, has voiced significant concerns regarding the Coalition Government’s handling of Fiji’s escalating infrastructure crisis, which he argues is inflicting severe hardships on the citizens. He pointed to the collapse of the Vuniyasi Bridge in Nadi as a stark illustration of the government’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Fijian people.
Lal emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the bridge’s collapse nearly resulted in the loss of four lives, leaving communities cut off from essential roads and disrupting vital water supplies. He attributed these issues to negligence and inactivity from the government.
According to him, the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and the Public Works Department (PWD) have experienced a significant decline under the current administration’s oversight for the past two years. Despite large budget allocations and elaborate speeches, Lal argues that the nation’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate alarmingly.
With infrastructure like bridges and roads falling into disrepair, Lal criticized the government for being more preoccupied with political stunts rather than taking urgent action to address these pressing challenges. He questioned how many more lives need to be endangered before the government takes responsible and effective measures.
Lal described the current state of roads as worse than ever, accusing the Minister responsible for infrastructure of prioritizing photo opportunities over meaningful progress. He called this level of incompetence unacceptable and an insult to the Fijian populace.
Furthermore, he suggested that the Minister and the Prime Minister should consider a reshuffle in their Cabinet to bring in capable leadership that prioritizes good governance over political theatrics. He underscored the need for accountability, safety, and genuine progress, urging for immediate leadership changes to ensure the citizens of Fiji receive the competent governance they deserve.
In summary, Lal’s statements reflect a growing frustration within the opposition regarding the government’s handling of infrastructure issues, urging a shift towards competent and accountable leadership that truly addresses the needs of the Fijian people.
In a positive light, this outcry for better governance can serve as a critical reminder for the government to reassess their priorities and actions. Greater public awareness and calls for accountability may drive necessary changes that ultimately lead to improved infrastructure and safety for all Fijians.
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