A-G: Rid Corruption, Plan Long Term
Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s message to special administrators was simple – plan for long term and curb out corruption.
“If you want to run a successful municipality you need to think long term.
“Most councils were not even aware of demographic changes in their municipalities and how this would impact growth in the years to come.” He said this was a key issue as municipal councils were drivers for national economy.
He also said long term strategic planning required a masterplan and that is why a Singaporebased company would be in the country to ensure masterplans for the four most populated areas in Fiji – Suva, Nasinu, Nadi and Lautoka.
He also highlighted the existence of corrupt practices, which needed to go.
“Some municipal councils give building approvals in six weeks and others in one week. One particular very large building was given approval in a week,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said, as he pointed out a corrupt practice.
“This is clear, someone has been paid off. A municipality without having the prerequisite requirement for approving a building that large, so that is obvious. We see that it exists and sometimes at a very basic level.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there were policies that have been put in place regarding corruption. He told special administrators on how important their role as leaders would be in combating corruption.
“Anyone of you who breach that, will be reported to FICAC. You have a wonderful opportunity to change the system. You need to be the forefront of the change. They need to look up to you and say, these are the best examples to follow.”