Council and traffic
Powell’s departure
CRAIG Powell, who was appointed to the post of CEO of Nadi Town Council on March 23, 2020, has resigned citing personal reasons.
Interestingly, from 2006 until now, four others have left this well-paid job in the council before Mr Powell.
What could be the reason for their early departure?
This is unheard of in any other council in Fiji.
This is not a healthy sign for any organisation.
I think this nonsensical practice needs to be avoided at all costs.
Every time you look for a new CEO, valuable time and money are wasted unnecessarily. I also think it leaves the organisation and its customers in a difficult situation because of the disruption caused.
Mr Powell’s sudden departure is hard to believe.
I am sorry to say that it was not expected but it has happened.
This scenario never came up during the era of the elected council.
I think time has come to seriously think of returning the council back to the old system as our Constitution allows.
It is my sincere hope that this Government will soon realise the importance of putting the councils back in the hands of democratically-elected councils.
All along it had worked without any problem but in 2006 you decided to remove it for reasons best known to you.
I have reasons to believe that many ratepayers want to see municipal elections called sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, the ball is not in our court. Thank you.
SURESH CHAND
Nadi
Traffic lights
I WRITE to commend the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for installing some thirty traffic lights from Rewa Bridge to the Suva bus stand.
The purpose, I believe, is to ensure safe flow of traffic and to provide safety to the commuters. Some of these traffic lights also carry speed cameras/red light cameras.
However, I am deeply disappointed that many drivers defy speed limits, overtake on double lanes and show sheer disregard for other road users.
As a result we see road accidents (some fatal) on the Suva-Nausori corridor.
The schools will reopen for the 2021 academic year and I appeal to drivers to be mindful of thousands of children who will be using this corridor (perhaps the most busy).
All school bus drivers and other road users must display a sense of responsibility by obeying traffic lights and generally being safe drivers.
May I wish all children and other commuters safe and an accident free 2021.
DEWAN CHAND
Namadi Heights, Suva