Debra Sadranu, the special administrator of four municipal councils in the Western Division, hit out against claims of Local Government Ministry interference in council operations.
Her comments were leveled at National Federation Party leader Prof Biman Prasad.
While speaking in Parliament last week, Prof Prasad said there were claims of growing disquiet among many ratepayers, citizens and management of councils on the direct ministerial interference into the day to day operations and appointments of management of various councils.
He said the line minister should allow the municipal councils to perform their duties in accordance with the Local Government Act.
In a statement issued to this newspaper, Ms Sadranu, who is the special administrator (SA) chairwoman for Nadi and Sigatoka and acting chair for Lautoka and Ba, said the claims were “unjustified and untrue”.
“To support the SAs and myself, the line ministry is always there to facilitate and guide us on the Local Government Act and Fiji law requirements,” she said.
“They encourage and enable us to make our own decisions in the interest of the ratepayers and general public.
“All decisions of staffing issues are made by the council with open transparent processes for CEO appointments.”
