Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, has criticized the Coalition Government for neglecting the urgent infrastructure crisis in Fiji, which he claims is inflicting severe hardships on the people. He pointed to the recent collapse of the Vuniyasi Bridge in Nadi as a stark example of the government’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Lal highlighted that this incident nearly claimed four lives, resulted in communities losing access to crucial roads, and disrupted water supply, attributing these setbacks to government negligence and inaction. He expressed concerns about the disarray within the Fiji Roads Authority and the Public Works Department over the past two years, indicating that despite substantial budgets and lengthy speeches, the condition of the country’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
He lamented that essential services such as bridges, roads, and utilities are in critical decline while the government appears more interested in political posturing rather than addressing these pressing issues. Lal raised the alarming question of how many more lives need to be endangered before the government takes responsibility, suggesting that the promised change has not materialized.
He criticized the current infrastructure minister for a lack of proactive maintenance and oversight, labelling the situation as an insult to the people of Fiji. Additionally, Lal called for accountability, demanding the resignation or removal of the minister and urging the Prime Minister to reevaluate his Cabinet to appoint more competent leaders.
Lal concluded with a strong message that Fijians deserve a government committed to their needs rather than political theatrics, urging for immediate and meaningful actions to tackle the nation’s infrastructure challenges.
In summary, the article highlights the urgent call for improved infrastructure management in Fiji as citizens face critical risks due to government inaction. It emphasizes the need for accountability and competent leadership in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the Fijian populace.
This situation presents an opportunity for the government to refocus its efforts on the core needs of the community, potentially leading to the revitalization of essential services and infrastructure, which can significantly benefit the populace and restore public trust in governance.
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