More consultations will now be held with ratepayers and residents in all municipalities.

Local Government Minister Premila Kumar made the comments while responding to a supplementary question posed by Opposition MP Ro Teimumu Kepa in parliament this morning.

“So my question is what is the level of consultations made with the ratepayers and the residents so there will be consultation with the ratepayers. We want the team of administrators to address concerns raised by the ratepayers. So this process will be on-going.”

The Minister says all grievances raised by ratepayers will be addressed by the municipal councils and will only be referred to the Ministry when necessary.

“And as it is from the operational point of view any complaints that come to the municipal councils it’s addressed by the CEO and his or her team. And sometimes even complaints come to the Local Government ministry as well”.

There will also be the demarcation of duties among managerial positions in local municipalities to boost the decision-making process.

“Hence, the function of the Mayor which have been traditional to chair meetings and carry out civic duties will now be carried out by the chairperson from the team of special administrators”.

Kumar says Fiji is evolving through globalization and the appointed special administrators are tasked to proactively promote opportunities for investment, business and tourism in collaboration with relevant authorities.