THE delay in the release of funds to the Macuata provincial office has forced People's Charter teams to postpone visits to villages.
This is the second time the provincial office has postponed trips of the Charter team to villages in the district.
Roko Tui Macuata Ratu Jone Matanababa said the money was to have been released by the Ministry of Fijian Affairs.
Questions faxed to the ministry permanent secretary, Ratu Meli Bainimarama, remained unanswered.
Ratu Jone said the office had proposed a $9000 budget to the ministry.
"The three teams were supposed to have gone out on Monday to visit the Udu Point area, Dogotuki and Seaqaqa," he said.
"But they have not been able to do so because there is no money to fund our trips," Ratu Jone said.
"This is the second time we have postponed our trips to the villages.
"We ask for the villagers' patience and understanding as we have no control over the situation."
Ratu Jone said they were unsure when the funds would arrive.
"We don't have a clue at this stage but we have already informed the head office about our situation and we hope that the funds will be released as soon as possible because it's not easy dealing with grass roots people.
"That is why we have asked for their patience and understanding and for them to bear with us for just this short time until the funds arrive," Ratu Jone said.
So far, two districts in the province of Macuata have not accepted the Charter, labeling it as a document not in favour of the indigenous community.
The districts of Seaqaqa and Dreketi have not accepted the Charter. The district of Labasa changed its stance on the Charter two weeks ago, accepting it now as a way forward for Fiji.
» Video and transcripts of the People's Charter debate
