Historic fire

IT was sad indeed to witness the historically iconic Defence Club in Suva, engulfed in flames.

Fast forward to our UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of historical Levuka, situated on the magical island of Ovalau.

It’s as clear as daylight, that we do not have the necessary resources/equipment available to “quench the fire”, should one start up at either end of the town.

Are the relevant stakeholders aware of the risks/ dangers involved should such occur?

We have government ministers and other senior officials visit almost on a weekly basis but are they aware of such?

Government needs to provide our firemen with adequate and appropriate contemporary fire fighting equipment to negate any serious fires should our world heritage town be engulfed in flames till kingdom come.

It is a serious issue which Government must urgently address, if they do care, that is.

On another note, a Deputy PM had recently visited Levuka. Before his visit, a “directive” was sent from his ministry to the host, that he doesn’t eat certain food, such as donu, kawakawa and pork.

I humbly request our Hon. DPM, to please ensure that in future, all visiting government ministers and senior officials, together with their entourage, fork out their own perks for breakfast, lunch and dinner expenses as they’re been paid hefty salaries including travelling allowances.

Why heap extra financial constraints/burden, etc, on the hosts?

To put it bluntly, “just get in, get the job done, jot down notes on what needs to be fixed and done to better the town/island and get out”.

No hanky-panky “va lusi gauna” kinda stuff. ANTHONY SAHAI Levuka, Ovalau