Time and again, the issue of whether municipal elections will be held or not keeps coming to mind.
The last local government elections were held in 2005.
Since then, municipal councils have been run by appointed administrators.
There are 13 municipalities altogether, which are being looked after by these so-called special administrators, whose services are paid for by the ratepayers.
Until the elections are restored, this costly arrangement, which guarantees no accountability and transparency, will continue.
As special administrators come and go, no one is checking the mess left behind by these outgoing appointees.
Take for example the case of Nadi Town Council, whose annual financial statements from 2018 are still outstanding.
This is quite serious as we don’t know what was the council’s performance like during the mentioned period.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the ones under whose watch this happened are now gone following their replacement.
This is just one example of no checks and balances and monitoring at top level.
It may not be the same in all councils.
But one thing is clear, local government governance needs to put back in the safe hands of an elected council.
The present system is a failure.
It would be a great disservice to the citizens of the country if the elections are not held in good time.
Any update will be highly appreciated.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj