Vehicle, relief supplies set for TC Winston remain at wharf
Avehicle was part of a container supposedly carrying relief supplies from overseas after severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016 .
The vehicle is still in the same container at the Port of Suva.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu told Viro villagers that the same would happen if proper clearance was not followed.
He was responding to a question posed by Viro Primary School manager, Sekope Qalo during a talanoa session on Wednesday. Mr Qalo inquired about the possibility of releasing a container loaded with relief items put together by Viro villagers residing in Sydney. It was sent two years ago and remains at the wharf in Suva.
Mr Seruiratu said it was important to first inform the relevant stakeholders and in this case - the first point of contact was the Lomaiviti Provincial Administrator, Asesela Biutiviti. He would take the matter further including with the Ministry of Economy Permanent Secretary if a concession or waiver was applicable.
Mr Biutiviti said they had checked the container
in question. While it was addressed to Viro Primary School, items inside were for other schools and individuals.
As a result, releasing the container became more difficult.
The Prime Minister’s Ovalau tour included six ministers and two assistant ministers:
■ Minister for Health And Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete
■ Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu
■ Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate
■ Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Waterways, Mahendra Reddy
■ Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa ■ Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala
■ Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Jale Sigarara
■ Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Selai Adimaitoga