The Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services has responded strongly to opposition member Ketan Lal’s calls for his resignation following the collapse of a bridge in Vuniyasi. Minister Tuisawau emphasized that it is unreasonable to expect a government official to personally inspect every bridge and road across the nation.
He remarked, “Ketan Lal cannot demand that I resign because he is not the Prime Minister.” Tuisawau dismissed Lal’s criticisms, labeling him a “nonentity” with no real authority to make such demands. The Minister acknowledged that the bridge did have weaknesses but attributed its collapse to flooding rather than negligence.
Tuisawau further criticized Lal’s political motives, suggesting he is a desperate politician with an uncertain future and urged him to act more maturely, stating, “he is a grown man now.”
This exchange highlights the tensions in the political landscape as officials navigate accountability in times of disaster. It serves as a reminder that while constructive criticism is vital, it is equally essential for political leaders to approach these matters with a sense of responsibility and seriousness.
In the broader context, this situation presents an opportunity for improvement in infrastructure management and disaster readiness, which could benefit the community in the long run. As the government reflects on this incident, it could pave the way for more robust policies and collaborations to prevent future occurrences.
Summary: The Minister for Public Works has rebuffed calls for his resignation by opposition member Ketan Lal after a bridge collapse, stating it is unrealistic for him to inspect every infrastructure personally. He criticized Lal for being a desperate politician and stressed the need for maturity in political discourse.
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