The Chairman of the Land Transport Authority Vijay Maharaj has today revealed that former LTA CEO Carmine Piantedosi was informed about two weeks ago that he needed to improve his performance in certain areas.
Maharaj says the LTA board discussed this with him when his six months probationary period came to an end.
Piantedosi is now saying that he did not resign because of personal reasons. He says he was called last Friday and told to resign or be dealt with.
However, Maharaj says Piantedosi was expected to make positive changes at LTA but he failed to deliver in certain areas.
He says when the discussion was held, Piantedosi gave his letter saying that he is leaving for personal reasons.
Maharaj says it was a cordial relationship and Piantedosi had asked to stay until today and left earlier today. He says he is surprised with Piantedosi’s comments now.
Maharaj says there were about 22 internal audit reports where Piantedosi was supposed to take action however nothing was done.
He says this concerned the board.
He says cases are being referred from the internal audit to FICAC and they will decide on whether any charges will be laid.
Whe also asked Maharaj about when there will be a culture change for LTA as there are many issues of concern which include closing the office at 3 or 3.30pm on weekdays, closing the cashier booth when the cashier goes for lunch, no or lack of enforcement when it comes to road safety like issues relating to jaywalking, smoke emissions and illegal or unfit vehicles.
Maharaj says changes are coming.
He says they have started to open some offices on Saturdays and will open LTA offices in Suva City and Nadi soon.
Maharaj also says they will get more enforcement officers soon to ensure that they look at road safety issues.
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