The biggest challenge to improved service delivery is corruption, says Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar.
She highlighted this in Parliament yesterday in her response to the President’s opening address for the 2020-2021 session of Parliament.
Mrs Kumar said the housing sector was undergoing a complete review in its effort to achieve the highest level of integrity in service delivery.
“Corrupt practices lead to a lack of confidence in the system and the waste of public funds and the deterioration of efficiency,” she said.
“Findings from these investigations have highlighted the need to strengthen the legal and governance framework surrounding the housing sector.
“The Housing Authority has undergone a special audit and a public inquiry.”
She said the FijiFirst Government’s investment in upgrading informal settlements was both extensive and long term.
“It is easy to draw a scheme plan and provide everyone with a short-term lease agreement but a responsible government will do it the proper way.
“And this is what we are doing. Every settlement that we upgrade has proper roads, drains, water, electricity and sewerage facilities.”
She said the ministry had approved 30 major development applications at a value of $154.7 million from January to October this year.
