The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development Honourable Premila Kumar started her official visits in the Western division on Thursday 3 January 2019, where she first visited the Sigatoka Town Council.
Honourable Kumar commended the work done by the Council and encouraged the Council to continue the good work conducted thus far.
“With the great work done by Sigatoka Town Council, I urge you not to stop there, but to strive even further in providing the best for the people of Sigatoka. Your Annual Reports are up to date and you are in the verge of finalising your annual accounts. This is Good Governance and you’re being transparent with your operations,” said Honourable Kumar.
The Minister further challenged the Council to improve their beautification programs, as it attracts not only the residents of Sigatoka, but also visitors.
“This is important and you will need to have proper planning on this, because it is something that visitors will take back with them. It is an impression that will be with them for a long time. For the residents, this is something that they will be proud of and promote to others,” said the Minister.
Honourable Kumar further urged the Council to lift the standard of restaurants and other eateries in Sigatoka.
“I also encourage you to work closely with eatery outlets or restaurants in ensuring that convenience facilities and the general environment in within these restaurants are kept to the right sanitation standards. Also conduct regular checks to ensure that these standards are maintained at all times,” Honourable Kumar stated.
The Sigatoka Town Council organized a tour around the Sigatoka river bank, where the Minister met with the Engineering consultants to discuss the beautification programme set for Sigatoka town and the importance of conducting this exercise in a sustainable manner.
In response, the Council reiterated that they have taken the Minister’s suggestions on board and will submit a brief on the work progress every quarter.
In addition, the Council informed the Minister that the much improved main public convenience located at the market and near the bus stand operated 24 hours a day and other public convenience facilities will be constructed solely for visitors and travellers.