Bad roads will be fixed - Bala

Local Government and Infrastructure Minister Parveen Bala says the Prime Minister has raised concerns in some areas of the Fiji Roads Authority and Bala has assured parliament that those bad situations will be fixed.

While answering questions from the opposition MPs in parliament today, Bala said that the roads have been done and will be done by the current government.

He says after the departure of MWH last year, the FRA board and management now have a well-established system for policy plans, monitoring and reporting.

Bala says that he is aware that there are some challenges within FRA and the board has and will address these issues.

He also says that the changes put in place will not truly take full effect for another 2 to 3 years.

Bala says the government will continue to monitor and recommend changes where necessary.

He says some immediate actions taken to make FRA more effective include the setting up of a divisional office for FRA with more staff, specialised machinery brought in by contractors, intake of technical staff, much better coordination with other government departments, municipal councils and stakeholders and an MOU with the Ministry of Provincial Development for a 3 year program for the construction of rural roads, crossings and jetties.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa then raised the question on drainage and flooding issues.

Bala says the drainage issue is already being addressed.

Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula also raised concerns about the roads in Labasa however Bala reminded Nawaikula that some of the areas in the North did not have roads, power or water for many years.

Bala also told NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad to listen to his responses in parliament and not ask about the same issues.

Parliament will continue tomorrow.