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Minister For Public Works Reassures FRA Staff And Contractors Of Continuity
January 11, 2023
11 January 2023
“There have been some speculations that FRA’s future is bleak, but it is business as usual,” says Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) Chief Executive Officer Kamal Prasad.
He made the comments after meeting the Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau yesterday.
Mr Tuisawau has reassured all contractors, staff, and the public at large that all projects by the FRA will continue.
The minister acknowledged the work carried out by FRA so far.
“There is a need for infrastructure for our economic development and we also need to look at the needs of the poor, those that are in the lower rungs of society, their needs are very basic such as small roads or small bridges to enable them to have a livable standard of living,” Mr Tuisawau said.
“I would like to reassure you that in our manifesto, we have been saying that we will bring back Public Works Department (PWD), but that does not mean we will do away with the FRA. Whatever happens, the coalition government will always put forefront the interest of the workers, and for me as a minister, I will tread very carefully in moving forward.”
“I will not just come in and change, we do things for a reason, especially to improve efficiency and effectiveness and what would be the most optimum way of doing things with our limited budget.”
The minister also thanked the donor partners for being on standby and he assured the staff that he will be working closely with the PS and the CEO in terms of infrastructure development.
CEO, Mr Prasad said they had a fruitful discussion with the minister on the way forward.
“The minister has reassured the staff that their interest will be put first and that the FRA and the PWD can coexist and complement each other’s work.”
He said the minister straight after the meeting with the FRA management went to the Finance minister to secure additional funds for the remainder of the financial year.
Mr Prasad said the FRA achieves physical work worth $35 million per month. In addition to the normal works, FRA executes emergency response works worth $20-30 million every year.
Read Here: MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS REASSURES FRA STAFF AND CONTRACTORS OF CONTINUITY
