Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Kumar has urged the Government to instruct the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to promptly establish an agreement that was made years ago between the Rakiraki Town Council and the mill regarding the FSC ground. During the debate on the Rakiraki Town Council’s Annual Report for 2019, Mr. Kumar highlighted that the FSC ground, which includes a golf course, was previously granted to the council but has not been formalized by the Coalition Government.
Mr. Kumar expressed that the delay in formalizing this agreement is unacceptable to both the Rakiraki Town Council and its residents. He emphasized the importance of the ground, stating, “Apart from the Sports Council’s facilities in Rakiraki, there is no other ground. That’s the only one.”
He noted that the previous Bainimarama regime had successfully negotiated with FSC to give the ground and the golf course to the council. In response, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa indicated that consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Sugar regarding the matter. He stated, “I think there was… something that we are also talking about and also liaising on, with the Ministry of Sugar on the possibility of the council leasing the FSC sports ground.” Minister Nalumisa further mentioned that if granted the lease, the council plans to upgrade the facility to enhance its use as a sports ground for the people of Rakiraki and the surrounding areas.