Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Kumar has urged the Government to instruct the Fiji Sugar Corporation to promptly finalize an agreement reached years ago between the Rakiraki Town Council and the miller concerning the FSC ground.
During the discussion on the Rakiraki Town Council’s Annual Report for 2019, Mr. Kumar pointed out that the FSC ground, which includes the golf course, was assigned to the council in the past. He criticized the Coalition Government for not formalizing this agreement.
“This delay is unacceptable to the Rakiraki Town Council and its residents,” Mr. Kumar stated. “I request the Government to direct the FSC to quickly put the original agreement between the Rakiraki Town Council and the FSC into action. Besides the Sports Council’s facilities in Rakiraki, there is no alternative ground available. That’s the only one.”
He noted that the Bainimarama regime had successfully negotiated the allocation of the ground and golf course to the council. In response, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa remarked that they are in discussions with the Ministry of Sugar regarding the issue.
“I believe, as mentioned earlier by Mr. Bala (Mr. Kumar), we are in consultation and deliberation with the Ministry of Sugar regarding the potential for the council to lease the FSC sports ground,” Mr. Nalumisa said. “One of the plans by the council, if they are granted the lease, is to enhance the ground to serve as a quality sports facility for the people of Rakiraki and the wider community of Ra.”