Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Kumar has urged the Government to instruct the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to finalize an agreement that was made years ago between the Rakiraki Town Council and the mill operator regarding the FSC ground. During the discussion on the Rakiraki Town Council’s 2019 Annual Report, Mr. Kumar highlighted that the FSC ground, which includes the local golf course, had been allocated to the council years prior, but the Coalition Government has yet to formalize this arrangement.
“This delay is unacceptable to the Rakiraki Town Council and its residents,” Mr. Kumar remarked. He urged the Government to prompt the FSC to expedite the formalization of the agreement that had been established with the Rakiraki Town Council. He noted that apart from the facilities provided by the Sports Council in Rakiraki, there are no other sporting grounds available.
Mr. Kumar emphasized that the previous Bainimarama regime successfully negotiated with the FSC to grant the ground and golf course to the council. Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa responded that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Sugar regarding this matter.
“I think there was, as mentioned by Mr. Bala (Mr. Kumar), something we are also discussing and consulting on with the Ministry of Sugar about the potential of leasing the FSC sports ground to the council,” Mr. Nalumisa stated. He also noted that one of the council’s plans, if granted the lease from FSC, is to enhance the area into a proper sports ground for use by both local residents and others from the Ra region.