Macuate Host Interim President

Macuata hosts Ratu Epeli

www.fijitimes.com - Friday, November 13, 2009

PROVINCIAL councils have been challenged to work diligently and honestly and not confuse members of their province about their purpose.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said over the years, indigenous people have become confused about the purpose of their provincial council.

He warned councillors not to abuse the council as a means through which they could pursue their personal agendas.

He called on provincial councils to be accountable to their people through the provision of annual reports and financial transparency.

He made the remarks while opening the Macuata Provincial Council at Naduri Village in Macuata yesterday where he was traditionally welcomed by the chiefs of the province.

It was Ratu Epeli's first traditional engagement outside Suva since he was sworn-in as President last Thursday.

He said the main purpose of a provincial council was to serve the people and not the other way around.

According to Ratu Epeli, in many provinces many villagers were no longer concerned about the affairs of the council because the council did not have any real value to them anymore.

He said there needed to be less bickering and consensus must be reached through dialogue.

District representatives, he said, should all concur before decisions were made so as not to marginalise a certain group of people in their province.

Ratu Epeli said he would make similar visits to the other provinces in the country in his capacity as President and also as a chief