Provincial councils should not be pressured to transfer assets or properties to private provincial companies - PM

Provincial councils should not be pressured to transfer assets or properties to private provincial companies that are not financially secure and lack management skills.

Prime Minister and Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted this in parliament yesterday when he was asked by Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula to explain why the provincial councils are still holding onto Yasana assets and properties.

Bainimarama says the decision to corporatise rests with respective provincial companies.

He says government has seen over the years that many provincial based companies have not necessarily met the test of transparency.

Bainimarama adds that many provincial councils are run by only a number of individuals or families and they tend to be the main beneficiaries of these companies.

Opposition MP, Ratu Sela Nanovo then asked the Prime Minister if government tenants currently occupying provincial holdings buildings can be held off from moving out until the debts of these provincial companies are paid off.

Bainimarama then highlighted some concerns about some operational issues relating to some provincial companies.