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With the recent Cabinet reshuffle and re-assignment of portfolios, Cabinet Ministers – both new and those who have been retained – have taken on a deeper sense of urgency in fulfilling the mandate given to the Interim Government by His Excellency the President. Here, one of the retained Ministers, Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, talks with Department of Information writer Anshoo Mala Chandra on his initial plans for his new portfolio. DINFO: You have been assigned a new portfolio encompassing the Ministries of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, Local Government, Urban Development and Housing. How do you see your role? MINISTER: I am happy to work for my newly assigned portfolio, which has lot of challenges. I am pleased that I have the full cooperation of the officials in the respective ministries and departments. Together we will be able to deliver the expectations of the Interim Government and the people of Fiji. On the portfolio of Labour and Industrial Relations, I am committed to complete the Labour Reform and bring about new changes to our work culture that will promote good faith employment relationships, better terms and conditions of employment, better OHS standards and improve productivity growth, at the enterprise, industry and national levels. Unfortunately, our national productivity growth for the last 15 years has been a dismal 0.8 percent to one percent. We cannot achieve improvement in our overall standard of living or secure employment for our school leavers if we continue with our poor performance. We urgently need to raise and maintain our national productivity growth to at least five percent before we can realize better standards of living for all our people. Without this, a significant number of our people will remain in poverty. We need a revolutionary shift in our policy direction. This is the whole aim of the Labour Reform, which the Labour Ministry is undertaking – to reform all outdated labour legislations with the aim of providing a progressive business environment that increases productivity growth. This Reform has been long overdue. There are three components of our Labour Reform, and they comprise the following in the order of their implementation in Fiji – 1. OHS Reform – Successfully completed between 1991 to 1998; 2. Employment Relations Reform – 1998 to 2009; and 3. Workers Compensation Reform – 2008 to 2010. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Reform was successfully completed in the 1990s culminating in the enactment of the enabling Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 and the establishment of the National OHS Service in 1998 which replaced the outdated Factories Act and its Factories Inspectorate agency. Since 1997 the national OHS accident rate has been consistently declining significantly every year, which is a clear testimony on the increasing awareness and observance of OHS standards across industries. However, the emerging challenges are occupational diseases, chemical risks, and work stress issues. The Employment Relations Reform (formerly called the Industrial Relations Reform) has started with the enactment of the new Employment Relations Promulgation on 1 October 2007, which will come into force on 2 April 2008, to allow a six months preparatory grace period. The implementation of the new Employment Relations Promulgation will lead to a more productive and efficient workforce in the country. In this regard, the Labour Ministry has been heavily tasked to reform all outdated labour legislations with the aim of providing a progressive business environment that promotes flexibility in wage fixing, stable employment relationships, improved terms and conditions of employment and good faith bargaining that will enhance productivity. In a nutshell, the new labour laws (OHS & ER Promulgation) are designed to create an environment of empowering employers and workers to resolve their own OHS risks, Employment Grievances and Employment Disputes in a proactive and speedy manner, rather than too much reliance on the intervention of a Tribunal or a Court. In this way, our work culture will have a strong sense of responsibility, accountability and transparency, since both employers and workers are required to engage in partnership arrangement emphasizing the “we”, rather than the adversarial “them” and “us”. This philosophy is clearly demonstrated in the operation of an OHS Committee under the reformed OHS Legislations, or a Labour-Management Consultation and Co-operation Committee under the (LMC) Promulgation. This is the best way to develop our people in workplaces, as evidenced in the successful OHS Reform. I want to recreate this success in the ER Reform. The setting up, training and effective operation of LMCs around Fiji’s workplaces will transform our working culture from a low performance towards high performance workplaces where productivity improvement initiatives are common. It is required that the LMCs will also collate productivity data on six monthly intervals to enable enterprises to measure their performances objectively and find ways to improve them. These productivity data will also be sent the Labour Ministry to be collated, analyzed and computed into productivity indicators for respective industrial sectors and national aggregate as well. For the first time in Fiji’s history we will be able to measure how well we have fared in productivity improvement at the enterprise level, sector level and national level in terms of Labour, Capital and Total Productivity indicators. This market feedback will also be useful to determine whether the knowledge, skills and qualifications acquired form our school systems, FIT, TPAF and USP are compatible with the needs of workplaces and businesses in Fiji, and initiate reforms in these institutions based on the ‘demand’ of the market. The international productivity indicators will also enable an enterprise, sector or the country as a whole to compare itself with any enterprise, sector or nation around the world. On conflict resolution and as referee on employment relation matters, the Labour Ministry is setting up the first Mediation Service in Fiji under the ER Promulgation next month. I have just opened the last three-day workshop on mediation on 5 February 2008 in which the twelve Ministry Mediators will be assessed for accreditation by the Singapore Mediation Centre. The successful Mediators will be posted around the country before 2 April 2008, as part of the new Mediation Service. They will promote early resolution of disputes through proactive grievance procedures and good faith bargaining, and adopting mediation as the Primary Dispute Resolution mechanism. In this way, Fiji can build bridges towards meaningful reconciliation between disputing parties in cost-effective ways. Thereby, saving expensive litigation costs to the parties in dispute with improved employment relationships, workplace productivity and morale. I am also committed to roll-out the much awaited Workers Compensation Reform between 2008 and 2010, in which the current outdated workers compensation scheme will be replaced by a modern ‘no-fault’ scheme, without the slow court processes. Under the new scheme, compensations for workplace injuries and deaths will be speedily paid out at much higher amounts, in order to prevent any onset or cycle of poverty to the beneficiaries. The current system has caused a lot of hardships to the injured workers and their families because the quantum of compensation is too low, contributing to increasing poverty. Also, it is too slow to process claims because cases are fought in Courts between workers and the employers or insurers, where workers are disadvantaged due to lack of resources to hire lawyers, causing deprivations and hardships for affected families. The new scheme will totally eliminate the need for Courts to make determination for cases between the parties. The expectations and changes that I would like to see in my other portfolios of the Ministry are very challenging indeed and cover a lot of areas, from Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and includes the National Fire Authority and the Town and Country Planning Department. DINFO: Please specify some of the changes you would like to bring to your respective portfolios, for instance the Local Government? MINISTER: I have highlighted the gist of what I would like to see implemented in my first formal meeting with the Fiji Local Government Association in mid- January 2008. Importantly, I would like to see that the Interim Government’s mandate is fulfilled for the purposes of transparency, accountability and improved service delivery. In this regard, I am revisiting the overall policy and operation of Local Government Authorities which comprised the twelve Municipal Councils. As I mentioned before, the people of this country deserve the best services from both the National (or Central) Government and the Local Government Authorities. As we have observed in the past, the continuous cycles of poor governance, poor management of our scarce resources and corruption breed poverty, crimes and instability in our country. We must all help to put a stop to all of these for the sake of everyone in our country and for the sake of our future generations. The public has lodged a lot of complaints against the Local Authorities over the years and these chronic deficiencies which have characterized our Municipal Councils in the past must be addressed quickly in an effective and sustainable manner for the benefit of all. These poor governance issues had been extensively documented in the many investigations conducted, but on which little action has been taken. The more prominent among these include corruption and mismanagement, abuse of office, misuse of council properties and resources, litter/environmental issues and disregard of ratepayers complaints, to name a few. I am committed to bring about changes to reform Local Governments to ensure the ratepayers and the general public get a fair share of return of their money in terms of quality services –in the clean and tidy upkeep of cities and towns, timely removal of refuse and garbage, effective upkeep of parks and recreation facilities including public conveniences, progressive policy and planning of municipalities. In response to the numerous complaints received from ratepayers and the general public, I have issued a directive on 14 January 2008 to all Municipal Councils addressing these issues in an effort to ensure accountability, transparency and quality service delivery. I am also in the process of establishing a ministerial hotline to receive complaints and information from concerned ratepayers and citizens on the misuse/abuse of council vehicles. All complaints received will be processed with due expediency and necessary action taken against recreant councilors and/or staff. This process will reaffirm the need for transparency and accountability in the performance of municipal duties. It is my desire to see all municipal councils function effectively and fully organized to address the multitude of demands made by citizens of the respective municipalities. We must appreciate that municipal councils play a stewardship role. They are subservient to the ratepayers and citizens and must perform their duties in accordance with the Local Government Act (Cap 125), and for the health, well being and advancement of the municipalities. Any breach and/or derogation from the Act will attract the full sanction of my Ministry. Government has also allocated funds to assist Town Councils this year through the Challenge Fund to start new projects. The Challenge Fund is a Government initiative where Government contributes certain amount of money towards the projects and the relevant councils are required to contribute the equal amount also. Through the Fund, we have found that each council developing a new project every year. In addition I am also committed to implement the three-pronged vision of the Urban Policy Action Plan of economic growth, poverty reduction and spatial equity. The urbanization of poverty, crime and damage to the environment and its surroundings is a direct threat to city food, water supplies, homes and livelihoods. The role and involvement of local authorities and their townsfolk in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is crucial because most of the eight measurable goals relate to living conditions in our cities and towns and to services municipalities work everyday to improve. The millennium agenda can succeed through partnership, effective decentralization, quality capacity building, strengthening local governance and raising awareness. (To be continued) Continued from … Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, Local Government, Urban Development and Housing, Mr Lehk Ram Vayeshnoi’s interview with Department of Information writer, Anshoo Mala Chandra. DINFO: On the issues of transparency and accountability in the management and use of resources, what are your plans to ensure the proper use of resources and especially to eradicate corruptive practices if there are any? MINISTER: Firstly these issues would have to be dealt with through the proper agencies. For instance, if there are indications of corruptive practices then it should be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). However, before the FICAC level there is a very vital role that Local Governments play to eradicate these malpractices. For example, the integrity of Mayors, Town Clerks and Councilors, supported by good corporate should be ‘first line of defense’ against corruptive practices. One thing is clear – the Reform of Local Governments has been long overdue. I am emphasizing on my Permanent Secretaries and staff the urgent need to apply good corporate governance practices in all our operations in an effort to ensure that all our services are speedily delivered to the people of this country without fear or favour and free from corruptive practices. DINFO: As highlighted in the media recently, some towns like Labasa, Nadi and Sigatoka are easily flooded. How do you plan to tackle this problem? MINISTER: I have yet to receive anything formally from the councils. I am aware that flooding is not restricted to Labasa or Nadi as almost all towns and cities are prone to flooding. I must say that much needs to be done in terms of cleaning up the drainage facilities. Also, the concerns raised by the various town councils will need to be considered thoroughly. I will be happy to draw Government’s attention to these issues so that they are addressed appropriately. In response to the DISMAC Report after Cyclone Damian, Government has also committed budgets this year for the dredging of rivers to alleviate the problem of flooding in Labasa, Nadi, Ba, Sigatoka and other municipalities. However, the erosion of soil in the upper streams of these rivers due to poor environmental standards used by the logging industry and poor farming practices are the main causes of flooding. These issues are currently addressed by the Departments of Environment, Forestry and Agriculture. DINFO: As Minister for Housing, how do you plan to address the issue of squatter settlements in Fiji? MINISTER: I will continue to place great emphasis on this. I’ve had a briefing from the Housing Authority and Public Rental Board on its role and responsibilities on 22 January 2008. I have asked the Authority to provide an update and to include all the facts and figures pertaining to our current housing needs, especially the detailed data on the various squatter settlements in the Suva, Nausori corridor and around the country. I’ve also asked the Authority for its action plans on how to address these needs of the underprivileged, the low-income earners and those living in the squatter settlements. I will explore the possibility of implementing improved policies to ensure that we can adequately cater for our people’s housing requirements. In the first instance, I will be appointing the Housing Authority and Public Rental Board which would be vested with the responsibility to implement the housing polices of this Government with urgency. According to the Ministry of Housing, the current households living in the squatter settlements in the Central and Eastern Division is currently at 8,687. The Prime Minister has also directed that a Committee on Squatter Housing (COSH) be formed to coordinate assistance available from Government Donor Agencies (GDA) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to improve the housing and related conditions for squatters. The Committee comprises the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Urban development and Housing (Chair), Permanent Secretary for Lands, Permanent secretary in Prime Ministers Office, CEO of Housing Authority, CEO Public Rental Board, CEO Native Land trust Board, Town Clerks of Suva City Council and Nasinu Town Council, and the Coordinator of ECREA. With the growing urban and peri-urban population, the demand for proper and affordable housing has been increasing significantly. Our people deserve access to decent, sturdy and affordable housing. In its commitment to resolve this challenge, Government has earmarked $5 million in 2008 to upgrade squatter settlements. Further grants and subsidies to HART and the Public Rental Board in 2008 total $2 million. Government is also seeking a soft loan from the People’s Republic of China to improve the housing situation of squatters throughout Fiji and the construction of rural roads in specific areas. DINFO: On the National Fire Authority, what are some of your initial plans? MINISTER: I have directed the NFA Board to take the necessary steps to improve the organization’s service delivery. In this regard, I will be committed to the full implementation of the National Fire Strategy that would transform the NFA into a more professional and responsive Fire Authority. To complement this effort, my Labour Ministry’s National OHS Service will step up its networking and work closely with the NFA to improve fire services in workplaces and improve the overall business environment in Fiji. DINFO: Are there any plans to build more fire stations around the country? MINISTER: I have been advised that there are plans to improve some of the existing fire stations. There are also plans to build a new fire station in Nadi where a piece of land has been identified. Essentially, I will work with the NFA to ensure that fire services are provided to other parts of Fiji. DINFO: What changes would you like to implement in the Department of Town and Country Planning? MINISTER: The Department of Town and Country Planning in the past years have been challenged on its development approval process roles and this arises the need for it to be reformed. The Department has reached a critical stage from last year, and the Interim Government commissioned a study at the end of 2007 to identify ways in which the Department can improve its services. I want to see a significant reduction in the timeline for development planning and approval consultation from stakeholders. This is one of the key areas that my Ministry, with the cooperation of other individual ministries and authorities, will be expected to resolve, so that efficient and effective decisions are made by the Department of Town and Country Planning. To accelerate the process of Reform in this area, I have personally addressed and challenged key stakeholders from Government Ministries and Departments on these issues at the Department of Town and Country Planning Inter-Agency Workshop held at the Tanoa Plaza Conference Room on 11 February 2008. The reform here will basically focus on business process re-engineering, where all key stakeholders will come up with reformed systems to drive the approval and vetting process of building plans and the issuing of permits that will achieve the desired outcomes in terms of speed and quality to alleviate the complaints from our clients. To achieve this outcome, my Ministry is committed on building sustainable communities through genuine partnership and governance. Planning and land regulating have a key role in national development and growth, and therefore the contributions of the line stakeholders are integral to the decision making process. Yet, the absence or delay in these contributions can adversely affect the decision time frame expected by a developer or investor. At the end of the day, I want investors and the general public to be equally happy with the services rendered, thereby creating a positive business environment. - End - |
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