A Rakiraki advisory councillor has urged the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights to ensure the graveyard of Udre Udre in Rakiraki is preserved as a heritage site.
Sumeet Shankar made the request at a public hearing on the Heritage Bill at Naria Primary School on Monday.
He said Udre Udre’s graveyard was unkempt. “There is no ownership of who should be cleaning the graveyard area,” said Mr Shankar.
“At a late stage when this particular Bill becomes an Act, we can come and actually talk to the relevant authorities, stakeholders and families as well,” said committee chairman Alvick Maharaj in response.
“Somebody has to take ownership and the process has to be followed if we actually need to preserve it.
“The Fiji Museum, the Department of Heritage or Fiji National Trust can preserve that area.”
Mr Maharaj said it did not necessarily need to be classified as a heritage site, but a place which could be preserved for people to come and visit.
