Sale of Fiji’s Airport and Ports

[posted 17 Dec 2008,1500]

The Interim Administration must ensure proper transparency in any dealings concerning the sale, or partial sale, of Fiji’s airport and port facilities or any other public asset, says Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry.

Mr Chaudhry has also questioned the outright sale of public assets and utilities to foreign companies.

He was referring to media reports of representatives of an investment company from Dubai visiting Fiji to inspect the Nadi airport complex and our ports with a view to acquiring an interest in them.

“First of all there has been a complete lack of transparency over this proposed sale. Competitive tenders must be called and the best deal secured rather than entering into private arrangements which may not be in Fiji’s best interests. The public must be kept informed of the details of such dealings.

“Secondly, airports and ports are strategic assets control over which must always be vested in the State. We must at all times ensure the safety and security of our ports of entry,” Mr Chaudhry said .

“I am aware that Fiji needs capital input to develop these important entities. I would advice the use of strategic partners rather than the outright sale of such strategic national assets,” Mr Chaudhry said.