‘Zero tolerance policy’

AGRICULTURE Ministry employees were put on notice by permanent secretary David Kolitagane in Nadi yesterday.

“Let me make an important policy announcement here on customer and farmers services,” he said.

“Effective immediately, if farmers’ complaints are not addressed appropriately in a timely manner, there is a ‘zero tolerance policy’ in place.”

During his address to senior ministry officials at the Strategic Development Plan and Costed Operation Plan workshop, Mr Kolitagane said they should take their cue from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney-General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum and Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy.

“I look at some key statistics every morning, especially complaints that are received from farmers and the complaints going to our ministers in Government.

“As we know there is a big challenge being put to us by our current ministers, the honourable Prime Minister, honourable A-G and our minister –– they receive calls on their phones, customers contact them directly.

“If a farmer is able to call our PM and our minister in the morning or late at night, I expect you and me to do the same.

“It’s time to change the delivery mindset and improve our customer service and there is no excuse at all.”