Opposition MP Ketan Lal has urged Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, to resign immediately due to his failure to maintain vital infrastructure proactively. This call comes following the recent collapse of the Vuniyasi river bridge in Nadi, which nearly cost four lives and left communities without crucial road access and a disrupted water supply.
Mr. Lal criticized the government’s negligence and inaction, highlighting that the incident underscores a broader trend of neglect regarding the safety and welfare of Fijians. He argued that the current administration needs to take immediate responsibility for the deteriorating state of infrastructure under their watch.
“The minister responsible for infrastructure has failed to ensure proactive maintenance, oversight, and investment,” Mr. Lal stated, suggesting that without significant changes, the nation risks a complete infrastructure collapse. He called for the Prime Minister to consider a cabinet reshuffle to appoint more capable leaders.
Despite substantial budgets and extensive plans, Mr. Lal believes the government’s focus has shifted away from pressing infrastructure issues to political distractions, including reconciliation initiatives. He questioned how many more incidents must occur for the government to act responsibly, signaling a lack of fulfillment of their promised changes.
This situation highlights a critical challenge faced by the government and its ability to prioritize the needs of its citizens. The pressing calls from opposition leaders reflect a desire for more proactive and effective governance in safeguarding essential services and infrastructure.
In a hopeful perspective, this situation presents an opportunity for dialogue and reform. The government can use this feedback to reassess its strategies, prioritize infrastructure maintenance, and enhance the safety and responsiveness of public services. By addressing these concerns transparently, there lies the potential to restore public confidence and improve the quality of life for all Fijians.
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