“Processes have to be followed and it’s not for someone to say from outside why municipal council elections are not being held.”
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Infrastructure Parveen Bala made this comment while opening the 5th Local Government Forum in Suva this morning.
The last municipal election was held in 2005.
Bala told the CEO’s and Administrators of various municipalities that they have to follow the right processes.
Bala says the Local Government Act Review Committee will complete the review process of the outdated 1972 Local Government Act.
He stated that the review is not only about the electoral system but the review is also being carried out on Public Health Act including National Building Code, Land Transport Act, Subdivision of Lands Act, Litter Act, Business Licensing Act, Food Safety Act and OHS Act.
Bala then stated that the reason they have achieved continued development in municipalities is because there is a genuine partnership between local and central government and there is funding available from central government.
Bala also highlighted to the CEO’s and Administrators of various municipalities as to how they used to go and knock the doors of ministers’ offices in the past and they were not getting any type of assistance.
He says this is the first time that genuine partnership has been created.
The Local Government Minister has urged the CEO’s and Administrators to be honest and sincere to their ratepayers.
