Political discourse should be grounded in facts, constructive criticism, and a commitment to national development.
Unfortunately, recent remarks by Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Filipe Tuisawau in response to Hon. Inia Seruiratu’s media statement on the deteriorating state of Fiji’s roads reflect a misinterpretation of the issues at hand. Instead of addressing the substance of Seruiratu’s concerns—namely, poor workmanship and management in infrastructure projects—Tuisawau opted for an unwarranted personal and political attack. This response highlights his lack of political maturity, a misunderstanding of his ministerial responsibilities, and a failure to grasp fundamental principles of governance.
Hon. Inia Seruiratu’s media statement did not claim that “no work is carried out” on Fiji’s roads. Instead, his critique centered on the poor quality of work and the mismanagement of road projects. This is a legitimate concern, as infrastructure development must prioritize durability and efficiency.
Tuisawau should get off his high horse and do a study on the frequency of redundant work being carried out on our roads. These redundancies cost money that could be better utilized in other sectors.
Tuisawau’s misrepresentation of Seruiratu’s remarks suggests either a deliberate attempt to deflect criticism or an inability to engage with the actual issue raised. Rather than addressing the core problem of substandard road conditions and ineffective project oversight, Tuisawau resorted to defensive rhetoric, which does little to reassure the public of his competence in managing the Ministry of Infrastructure.
As Leader of an Opposition made up of independent members, Seruiratu operates outside of traditional party structures. Independent members are not bound by party politics, meaning their positions on policy matters are not dictated by partisan loyalty but by their assessment of what best serves the national interest.
Tuisawau, however, seems to lack an understanding of this dynamic. His reaction suggests an expectation that all political actors must align with government narratives rather than engage in meaningful critique. A politically mature leader would recognize the value of constructive opposition and use it as an opportunity to improve governance rather than viewing it as a personal attack.
As Minister for Infrastructure, Filipe Tuisawau holds a crucial responsibility in ensuring that public resources are effectively allocated to road maintenance and development. His primary focus should be on addressing the legitimate concerns raised by Hon. Seruiratu, improving oversight of infrastructure projects, and ensuring high-quality road construction and maintenance.
However, his response to criticism suggests a reluctance to accept accountability. Instead of acknowledging the challenges and outlining solutions, Tuisawau dismissed concerns and diverted the discussion away from the pressing issue of road disrepair. This raises questions about his ability to lead the ministry effectively and his willingness to prioritize the needs of the people over political point-scoring.
A key expectation of public officials is clear and precise communication, particularly when engaging with the media and the public. Tuisawau’s reaction indicates a misinterpretation—whether intentional or not—of Seruiratu’s statement, which in turn undermines his credibility as a government minister. If the issue stems from a lack of comprehension rather than a deliberate misrepresentation, it highlights a worrying deficiency in his ability to engage in policy discussions. Effective governance requires not only technical expertise but also strong communication skills, both of which appear to be lacking in this instance.
Filipe Tuisawau’s unwarranted reaction to Hon. Inia Seruiratu’s media statement reveals serious concerns about his political maturity, understanding of his ministerial role, and capacity for constructive engagement. Rather than addressing the real issue of poor workmanship and management in Fiji’s road infrastructure, Tuisawau resorted to personal and political attacks, demonstrating a failure to grasp the essence of responsible governance.
As Minister for Infrastructure, his duty is to ensure that road projects are executed efficiently and to high standards. Engaging in political deflection rather than acknowledging and solving problems does a disservice to the people of Fiji and raises questions about his competence in the role. If Tuisawau wishes to be an effective leader, he must move beyond reactionary politics and focus on delivering tangible improvements in Fiji’s infrastructure sector.
Two years have gone by. We cannot continue to point fingers at others.
Concerns have been raised regarding the Fiji Roads Authority’s focus on building new roads instead of managing existing infrastructure.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works, Paula Baleilevuka, states that millions have been invested in the road network, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing assets over pursuing new construction projects.
While responding to questions from members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Baleilevuka adds that proper asset management is key to ensuring long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/poor-planning-leads-to-unspent-government-funds/
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